How can I transport an electric wheelchair?

Mobility aids powered by spillable batteries must always be loaded, stowed, secured and unloaded in an upright position or if the mobility aid does not adequately protect the battery, the battery must be removed. Therefore, it is important to provide the dimensions of the device in advance of travel so we can determine whether the battery needs to be removed. The removed battery must be carried in a strong, rigid packaging filled with compatible absorbent material sufficient to absorb their total liquid contents and must only be carried in the cargo compartment.

Such packaging must be delivered by the passenger.

This category consists of mobility aids powered by one of three different types of batteries, non-spillable wet batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries or dry batteries.

Non-spillable wet batteries.

Wet cell batteries can be considered as non-spillable if they can withstand the vibration and pressure differential tests described in IATA DGR, without leaking of battery fluid.

A passenger may carry a maximum of one spare wet, non-spillable battery.

Nickel-metal hydride batteries.

Nickel-metal hydride batteries or nickel-metal hydride battery-powered devices, equipment or vehicles having the potential of a dangerous evolution of heat are not subject to these Regulations (DGR) provided they are prepared for transport to prevent:

-a short circuit (e.g., in the case of batteries, by the effective insulation of exposed terminals; or, in the case of equipment, by disconnection of the battery and protection of exposed terminals)

-unintentional activation.

A passenger may carry a maximum of two spare nickel-metal hydride batteries.

Dry batteries.

Examples of such batteries are alkali-manganese, zinc-carbon and nickel-cadmium batteries. Any electrical battery or battery-powered device, equipment or vehicle having the potential of a dangerous evolution of heat must be prepared for transport to prevent:

-a short circuit (e.g., in the case of batteries, by the effective insulation of exposed terminals; or, in the case of equipment, by disconnection of the battery and protection of exposed terminals)

-unintentional activation

A passenger may carry a maximum of two spare dry batteries.

All removed and spare batteries must be carried in strong, rigid packaging and must only be carried in the cargo compartment.

Lithium-ion batteries (sometimes abbreviated Li-ion batteries) are a secondary (rechargeable) battery where the lithium is only present in an ionic form in the electrolyte. Also included within the category of lithium-ion batteries are lithium polymer batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are generally used to power devices such as mobile telephones, laptop computers, tablets, power tools and e-bikes.

The watt-hour (Wh) rating is a measure by which lithium-ion batteries are regulated. Lithium-ion batteries are required to be marked with the Watt-hour rating.

The watt-hour rating of lithium-ion battery can also be calculated from the battery’s normal voltage (V) and capacity in ampere-hours (Ah)

Ah x V = Wh

If only the milliampere-hours (mAh) are marked on the battery, then divide that number by 1000 to get ampere-hours (Ah)

If you are unsure of the Watt-hour rating of your lithium-ion battery, refer to the device User Manual or contact the manufacturer.

The battery is either:

- securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid and the electrical circuits are isolated following the manufacturer’s instructions or,
-removed by the user (owner) if the mobility aid is specifically designed to allow it to be, following the manufacturer’s instructions

The lithium battery(ies) can either remain installed in the mobility aid or be removed by the user (owner), if the mobility aid is specifically designed to allow it to be, following manufacturer’s instructions. Removed battery(ies) must not exceed 300 Wh. Batteries which remain installed in the mobility aid have no capacity limit.

A passenger may carry a maximum of one spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spare batteries each not exceeding 160 Wh.

Batteries removed from mobility aid during preparation to flight are not considered as spare batteries.

All removed and spare batteries must be protected from damage (e.g., by placing each battery in a protective pouch) and must only be carried in the passenger cabin.

Remember: Each and every wheelchair must be approved by airline before transport.