Batteries for Mobility Aids

Lithium-ion batteries

Where a lithium-ion battery is securely attached to the mobility aid:

  • The battery must remain installed in the device, securely contained, and isolated so it cannot be accidentally activated.
  • No Watt-hour (Wh) limit applies to batteries that remain installed.
  • The wheelchair or mobility scooter must be made safe by one of the following methods: 
    - Removing the key 
    - Deactivating via joystick, isolation switch or button 
  • Using another isolation mechanism (e.g., Anderson Connector, Airsafe plug)
  • In addition, you may carry a maximum of: 
    - One spare battery up to 300Wh, OR
    - Two spare batteries up to 160Wh each, in the cabin.
  • If the operating battery is removed from the mobility aid and carried in the cabin, it is treated as a spare battery and is subject to the above Wh limits.

Where a lithium-ion battery is not securely attached to the mobility aid:

  • The battery must be removed following the manufacturer’s or device owner’s instructions.
  • Removed batteries must be:
    - Protected against short circuit (e.g., by covering or taping exposed terminals), and
    - Individually placed in protective pouches to prevent damage.
  • The operating battery, if removed and carried in the cabin, counts towards this spare battery allowance. 
  • The spare battery allowance is:
    - 1 x 300Wh for a single battery, or
    - 2 x 160Wh each.

Dry Cell / Gel Cell / Non-Spillable Batteries

Where a dry cell, gel cell, or non-spillable battery is securely attached to the mobility aid:

  • The battery must remain installed in the device, securely contained, and isolated so it cannot be accidentally activated.
  • No Watt-hour (Wh) restriction applies.

Where such a battery is not securely attached to the mobility aid:

  • The battery must be removed following the manufacturer’s or device owner’s instructions.
  • Batteries must be:
    - Protected against short circuit (e.g., by covering or taping exposed terminals), and 
    - Placed in strong, rigid packaging for carriage in the aircraft hold.