October 1, 2024 | Natalie Webber

Can I take my electric wheelchair on a plane in the UK?

If you love to travel and use an electric wheelchair, powerchair, or similar electric mobility aid, you may wonder whether you can take your aid with you when travelling on a plane. 

In this article, we will outline the rules and guidelines that apply in the UK, so you know exactly what to do when planning your next vacation abroad.

Can you take an electric wheelchair on a plane?

 

👍 Yes, you can take an electric wheelchair on a plane, but bear in mind that the wheelchair will be stored in the hold luggage during the flight. This is because most airlines don’t permit equipment such as electric wheelchairs to be taken into the passenger cabin, due to their size and weight.

Before flying with your electric wheelchair, there are several things to consider, which we will cover below.

How to take an electric wheelchair on a plane

 

✅ 1. Ensure your electric wheelchair is plane-friendly

Your wheelchair must be fitted with airline-friendly lithium-ion batteries, which are found on most modern electric wheelchairs and scooters. 

It’s also useful if your chair is foldable or dismantlable, as this will allow the airline to store it more easily in the hold.

✅ 2. Inform the airline

Before booking any flights, it’s important to check whether the airline has any restrictions regarding equipment such as electric wheelchairs. These can vary depending on who you fly with.

When booking your flights, it’s important to inform the airline that you will be bringing your electric mobility aid with you, to ensure it is loaded and stowed securely during the flight. For maximum peace of mind, we advise you to:

  • Inform the airline of the make and model of the equipment
  • Provide a copy of the user manual, to help the airline crew safely transport and store the wheelchair before and after the flight

✅ 3. Check your insurance

While you don’t have to have insurance in place when travelling on a plane, it is recommended. 

The UK Civil Aviation Authority states that airlines are liable for any damage to mobility equipment. However, the compensation may be limited to around £1,300 so you may want to take out extra insurance.

They also state that if your equipment is damaged during the flight or by staff, the airport is responsible for providing a temporary alternative while yours is repaired or replaced. It’s important to note that the alternative they provide does not have to be on a like-for-like basis, so you may receive an entirely different alternative to your wheelchair.

What are the best electric wheelchairs you can take on a plane?

 

We stock a number of electric wheelchairs that are ideal for flights and airlinetravel, including those that are lightweight, foldable and/or dismantlable. 

Our top 3 recommendations for an electric wheelchair you can take on a plane are:

1. Robooter E60/E60 Pro Powerchair

Robooter E60-A_White

The Robooter E60/E60 Pro powerchairs is ideal for airline travel, due to its folding design and subsequent compact footprint. Fitted as standard with a 20Ah lithium battery, there’s also an optional airline-approved 12Ah lithium-ion battery.

Find out more about the Robooter E60.

2. E-Goes Joyrider Folding Powerchair

Joyrider Folding Electric Wheelchair

The Joyrider from E-Goes is an excellent electric wheelchair for travel. It has a minimalist design, folds easily and separates into two parts in a matter of seconds. Before folding, the Joyrider’s motor unit can be removed, keeping the heaviest part at just 8.6kg! This makes it much easier to lift and store when travelling.

Find out more about the Joyrider.

3. Freedom Chair Folding Powerchairs

FreedomChair A06L Powerchair - web image 1

The FreedomChair Powerchair models are all designed to be folded for easy transport and have lithium batteries, making them good candidates for airline-friendly wheelchairs. Available in standard, bariatric and paediatric models – check the FreedomChair powerchair range out here.

Recommended Further Reading – What are the best electric wheelchairs for travel?

FAQs about flying with a powered wheelchair

1. Can you buy airline-approved powerchairs?

No powered wheelchairs come with ‘airline approval’ as such. However, several modern powerchairs with suitable lithium batteries offer an airline certificate, which you can submit to the airline when booking flights to prove the battery is appropriate for taking on a plane.

2. Can I fly with a lithium battery wheelchair?

Yes, you can normally take a lithium battery powered wheelchair on a plane, but there are regulations and airline policies you must comply with. For example, a lithium battery must not exceed 300Wh.

3. Do I have to remove the battery from my electric wheelchair when flying?

This depends on the type of battery. If it’s a lithium battery, and it’s not adequately protected (from short circuits or inadvertent operation) by the power wheelchair, it must be removed and carried in the cabin. If you power wheelchair has other common types of batteries, like sealed lead acid or gel, and it’s not protected by the powerchair, it must be removed and securely stored in the hold.

Shop the powerchair range

 


 

Related articles

Top 5 lightest folding mobility scooters in the UK (August 2024)

What are the best electric wheelchairs for travel?

Can you buy an electric wheelchair VAT Free?

 


 

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