Come Fly With Me

This post gets a bit technical, so if you're happy flying with your TravelScoot, just skip it - I don't want to lose you so soon!  I know many people have travelled the world without a problem, but for others the experience can be hit and miss, with some even refused boarding. I wanted to get as much information written down now while I had the time so I could refer back to it later, rather than searching in a panic for answers while in the back of a taxi on the way to the airport.

One of the reasons for choosing the TravelScoot was the ability to travel normally through an airport.  When I say normally, I guess I really mean independently without the hassle of waiting around for an airport assistant with a manual wheelchair.  I only tend to fly two to three times a year but hope to increase that frequency.

Airline guidelines on mobility scooters have some common themes, mainly that you can check them in at the boarding gate rather than with the normal hold luggage.  Hardy has some great tips on the TravelScoot website here.

Don't be put off by the airlines quoting Dangerous Goods Regulations that talk about a maximum lithium batteries limit of 160 Wh.  The TravelScoot small lithium ion battery is 230 Wh.  These restrictions apply to batteries contained within laptops, cameras, phones, etc.  Separate guidelines exist for mobility aids.

Worldwide airline guidelines on all lithium batteries are governed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations 2012 which if you're very bored can be downloaded here (it's 23 pages long).

Here's the important bit:
Lithium-ion battery powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility aids for use by passengers whose mobility is restricted by either a disability, their health or age, or a temporary mobility problem (e.g. broken leg), are permitted in air transport but subject to the following conditions:
(a) the batteries must be of a type which meets the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3; (which is here; batteries manufactured, distributed or sold by major companies do meet this requirement.  The TravelScoot lithium batteries are made by Sanyo)
(b) battery terminals must be protected from short circuits, e.g. by being enclosed within a battery container, and the battery must be securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid; The TravelScoot battery terminals are protected from short circuits by a recessed connector
(c) the operator(s) must ensure that such mobility aids are carried in a manner so as to prevent unintentional activation and that they are protected from being damaged by the movement of baggage, mail, stores or other cargo; and
(d) the pilot-in-command must be informed of the location of the mobility aid.
It is recommended that passengers make advance arrangements with each operator.

The US Department of Transportation regulations are supposed to match the IATA on rechargeable lithium batteries.  However the DOT and FAA do seem to impose an additional variation on the limit to the lithium content (25 grams) on ALL batteries (including those in mobility aids), which is why the TravelScoot battery falls within this limit.

All very complex and a little confusing. If we're confused then you can bet there will be confusion amongst airline ground staff.  The responsibility to prevent passengers travelling with dangerous goods sits with the airline (in fact the pilot in control of the aircraft), so when I find myself needing to fly, I'll be sure to get something in writing from the airline HQ before I book and print as much of the regulations as I need to.