Electric scooters are very popular pieces of equipment with children, and there are plenty of reasons why! Not only are they super fun to use, but they can promote socialization and outdoor activities. They’re also great for commuting and travel, helping them go faster than a standard push-scooter.
As a result, your child may wish to bring their electric scooter with them when you fly away somewhere. The problem is, of course, that some things aren’t allowed on planes – and electric items can be tricky.
The short answer is that some electric scooters might be allowed on a plane. However, it will depend on the size and type of battery used, along with the airline’s permission specifically.
This guide will look at whether or not you can bring your child’s electric scooter on a plane or not, along with some other handy pieces of information.
You may also want to learn more about Kids’ Scooter Suitcases – Ideal for traveling families combining luggage and scooter in one.
Electric Scooters And Planes
One of the reasons it can be tricky to know whether or not you can bring electric scooters on a plane is where you might be traveling to and from.
The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in the United States sets out a list of specifications for the types and sizes of batteries that may be allowed onto flights.
However, the rules differ from region to region. For example, China has extremely strict rules on electronic items on planes. You can find IATA Guidance on Lithium Batteries here.
For the purposes of this guide, we will focus on US domestic flights., governed by the FAA.
The current Federal Aviation Administration guidelines state that electric scooters are okay to go on planes, assuming they use a lithium or lithium-ion battery under 100WH.
If the battery is between 100WH and 160WH, the passenger must get the airline’s explicit permission to take an electric scooter on the plane, and any batteries higher than 160WH are prohibited entirely for safety reasons.
This is not to say that they can’t be transported, though. If, for some reason, you must transport an electric scooter with a battery over 160WH, then you can – but it must be done in the correct way.
These will be shipped using specialist freighter companies, and they will label the contents as hazardous materials. This is because batteries can have the potential to catch fire, and in some settings – they could even explode.
You may be wondering how electronic items like laptops and smartphones can easily be allowed on flights, and this is because the batteries comply with FAA regulations and airline permissions.
Do I Need To Contact The Airline?
It is always advisable to contact the airline if you are planning to bring your child’s electric scooter with you.
They will help you understand the battery size and whether or not you must go through specific channels to check the scooter in.
Remember, if you plan to get a connecting flight – you need to contact both airlines before you start your journey.
Can Electric Scooters Be Brought On Board?
The airline will likely not allow you to bring an electric scooter on the flight to place underneath your seat or in the overhead compartment.
Some electronic items, such as electric skateboards, can be brought into the plane and placed underneath the seat or in the overhead compartment, depending on their size and battery.
However, even then, it will be done at the discretion of the airline. This is why you should be sure to contact the airline first and discuss your needs and plans with them.
If an electric scooter is not allowed onto the flight this way, they may need to be checked in officially along with your luggage.
A Possible Problem
One problem you may find is that a lot of electric scooters have batteries that far exceed 160WH.
This isn’t to say that you can’t find electric scooters that are smaller than this, but a common problem is that they are large batteries.
As we mentioned, you cannot bring an electronic item with a battery of 160WH or over onto a flight. However, you may still be allowed to bring the scooter on board if you remove the battery and leave it at home.
Of course, you’d need to purchase a replacement battery at your destination, but this is one way you could still bring an electric scooter with you.
How To Pack Electric Scooters For Flights
If you are able to take your child’s electric scooter, assuming the airline is okay with it and the battery is not too large – then you will need to know how to pack them correctly.
Electric scooters are renowned for being excellent items to pack and fold away. It’s advisable that you purchase an electric scooter carry case. Some people may decide to pack the scooter into their suitcases, though you may find electric scooters are longer than a standard hard-sided suitcase.
While an electric scooter may fit inside a suitcase, it is not the best option for checking in the scooter as it may take longer to get through security.
Being open and transparent about what you carry is the best option – so ensure you carry your child’s electric scooter in its own carry case. This is also why it is advisable to contact the airline first.
Unless you remove the battery due to its size, avoid tampering with it before it is checked in, and do not try to carry the battery on board separately.
It is possible that the airline may refuse your travel if you attempt this, and tampering with batteries can be dangerous.
The Bottom Line
When asking yourself if you can carry your child’s electric scooter onto a flight or not, the answer is both a yes and no. It depends on several factors, including the battery, airline, and destination.
Be sure to check with the airline before you travel!
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