Electric scooters are eco-friendly and cost savings, but can you take an electric scooter on a plane?
You can bring an electric scooter on a plane, if the batteries are under under 100Wh, but scooters with batteries over 100 and under 160Wh will need the airline approval, while over 160Wh will not be accepted in both carry-on and checked bags.
This post covers everything you need to know about taking your eco-friendly scooter, in both domestic and international flights.
Let’s get right into the details.
TL;DR
Taking an electric scooter on a plane is slightly complicated because airlines focus on the lithium battery, not the scooter itself.
You can only bring an electric scooter if its battery meets strict airline limits, and approval is often required.
Batteries under 100 Wh are the easiest to travel with, while batteries between 100 and 160 Wh depend entirely on airline approval.
Any electric scooter with a battery over 160 Wh is not allowed on planes at all.
Even if airport security allows the scooter through screening, the airline can still refuse to transport it.
Most airlines choose not to accept electric scooters due to safety concerns.
Having a removable battery can help, but it does not guarantee approval.
Segway Ninebot ES4 Electric Kick Scooter with External Battery
Can You Take Electric Scooter Through The Security Checkpoint?
I have searched the TSA website but did not find any specific information about electric scooters.
They do mention Segways, and according to them, Segways are allowed but you will still need to check with your airline first.
The TSA Website
I looked further for more answers.
It turns out that the TSA do not ban electric scooters, but you still need to get an approval from your airline.
In this case it is the FAA, the IATA, and the airlines that ultimately decide if your electric scooter will be allowed or not.
Even if the TSA approves it at the airport, you may still have issues with the airline.
Here is what the FAA has to say about traveling with E-scooters:
“Most unicycle scooters and Segway-type scooters have a battery that exceeds 160Wh and are therefore prohibited.”
Can You Take Electric Scooters In Carry-on Luggage?
This is as screenshot for a user asking the TSA team on X, if he can travel with an electric scooter.
The TSA team replied that battery powered scooters are allowed through the security checkpoint, but many airlines don’t allow them on the plane.
But more that, Airlines are not concerned about electric scooters themselves, but rather with the lithium batteries inside them.
Many manufacturers do not display the exact battery capacity.
If your electric scooter has a removable battery, you can remove it, but you cannot take it with you on your flight.
You can then gate-check the scooter and retrieve it after landing, as shown in the video below.
I believe airlines and manufacturers need to find a solution, as electric scooters are growing in popularity (they save time, money, and help the environment).
If your battery does not exceed 160 Wh, which is usually the case for small electric scooters designed for children, you can still bring it in carry-on luggage.
However, you must contact the airline, and it must fit within their carry-on size limits.
But most airlines don’t want to take the risk.
Airlines make exceptions for some mobility device batteries used for medical purposes.
Note that most airlines will not consider e-scooters as mobility devices, even though mobility devices need to be transported in the cargo hold.
Usually, when an airline does allow large electronic items on their planes, they allow them in checked luggage.
If the battery is removable, you will need to remove it and take it with you on board.
If the battery is not removable, you can transport the scooter in checked luggage, but you must ensure the scooter cannot accidentally turn on during transportation.
The item must be neatly protected, with all cables and circuits covered and wrapped.
I researched whether some international airlines allow electric scooters in checked luggage, and here is what I found:
International Airlines
Electric scooters
Emirates
Forbidden
Aeromexico
Only scooters with non-spillable batteries that are 12 V or less and 100 watts / hour (Wh) or less are permitted.
Qatar Airways
Need approval
Turkish Airlines
Forbidden
Lufthansa
Forbidden
British Airways
Forbidden
What if Your Airline Do Not Allow Electric Scooters?
If your airline confirms that electric scooters are not allowed, here are some options:
Rent one at your destination: If your airline does not permit e-scooters in either carry-on or checked luggage, consider renting one at your destination.
Ship your scooter: If you want to bring your own scooter, you can ship it. For example, if you just bought one or received one as a gift, you can use a shipping service like docshipper, or Fedex.
Leave it at home: Sometimes it’s easier to reconsider bringing your electric scooter on a plane, especially if you can find other options once you get to your destination.
Final Thoughts
There are strict rules for traveling with items that contain batteries on most airlines.
The FAA and aviation authorities regulate these items.
Devices with batteries exceeding 160 Wh are not permitted on planes, in either carry-on or checked luggage.
Only a few airlines will allow you to bring an electric scooter on their airplane, and must not exceed 160 Wh in battery capacity .
Except for devices like wheelchairs or mobility scooters, which still require airline approval, most e-scooters are restricted.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Scooters on Planes
Can you take electric scooters on a plane?
Generally, electric scooters have restrictions on planes due to their lithium batteries. Scooters with batteries exceeding 160 Wh are usually prohibited. Some smaller scooters with batteries under 160 Wh may be accepted, but prior approval from the airline is required.
Can you carry small electric scooters on a plane?
In some cases, small electric scooters can be carried on a plane if the battery is removable, under 160 Wh, and the scooter fits the airline’s size limits. If these conditions are not met, shipping the scooter may be a better option.
What are the airplane rules for electric scooters?
Airlines follow FAA and IATA regulations. Most airlines do not allow electric scooters with large lithium batteries, although some may permit them with prior approval. The TSA generally allows scooters but defers to individual airline policies.
What are the regulations for folding electric scooters on a plane?
Folding electric scooters follow the same rules as regular scooters. The battery must not exceed 160 Wh for carry-on travel, and airlines may require the battery to be removable. Always confirm the rules with your airline before flying.
Can I take a folding electric scooter on a plane?
Yes, you may be able to take a folding electric scooter on a plane if it meets airline size limits and battery restrictions. Batteries over 160 Wh are not allowed. Some airlines may accept folding scooters if the battery is removed and carried separately.
Does Southwest Airlines allow electric scooters?
Southwest Airlines generally does not allow electric scooters with large lithium batteries. You should contact the airline directly for approval or consider alternatives such as shipping the scooter or renting one at your destination.
Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist
passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.
