Short answer: Under FAA rules for passenger aircraft, a lithium-ion battery used in a wheelchair or mobility scooter is generally limited to 300 watt-hours (Wh). Spare batteries have tighter limits (one spare up to 300 Wh, or two spares up to 160 Wh each). Airlines can add their own rules on top. Use this table as a starting point, then open each airline's page and confirm before you book.
Last checked October 26, 2026. Sources linked in the table. Rules change; do not treat this page as a guarantee of carriage.
How Do I Calculate Watt-Hours?
If the battery label prints volts (V) and amp-hours (Ah) but not Wh, multiply them: Wh = V × Ah. Example: 36 V × 8 Ah = 288 Wh. If the label already shows Wh, use that number. Write the Wh rating on a note you keep with the battery for TSA and the gate agent.
Airline Mobility Battery Policy Snapshot (US Carriers)
Figures below are what each airline's published mobility or battery page said when we checked them. Always open the linked page for the current wording.
| Carrier | What their page emphasizes | Official page (check before you fly) |
|---|---|---|
| FAA (baseline) | Mobility-aid lithium-ion batteries generally up to 300 Wh; spare rules 1×300 Wh or 2×160 Wh; label must show Wh | FAA wheelchairs & mobility devices; lithium batteries |
| TSA screening | Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility devices are allowed through screening with rules; TSA Cares can help travelers with disabilities | TSA: battery-powered wheelchairs; TSA Cares |
| Delta | Published pages cover personal care / medical items and wheelchair services; confirm battery Wh and spare-battery handling with Delta before travel | Delta medical items; wheelchair services |
| United | Accessibility pages cover wheelchair assistance; confirm lithium battery Wh limits and how removable batteries must be carried | United wheelchair assistance |
| American | Has a dedicated mobility-device battery requirements page; includes a published change effective March 31, 2027 (removable battery, ≤300 Wh, cabin, labeled). Re-check before that date and after | American mobility-device battery requirements |
For a fuller walkthrough of packing, labeling and what to say at the gate, see our flying battery rules guide.
What Should I Bring to the Airport?
- The battery's Wh rating written down (from the label or V×Ah).
- The manufacturer's battery documentation if you have it.
- Airline confirmation (email or notes from their disability desk) if you called ahead.
- Spare batteries in carry-on only, terminals protected, within the spare limits.
- A plan for how the device folds or how the battery comes off, so you can show agents quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this table mean my scooter or chair is cleared to fly?
No. This is a summary of published rules, not clearance for any product. The battery Wh rating, how the battery is installed or removed, and each airline's current policy decide what happens on your flight. Confirm with your airline.
What if my battery is over 300 Wh?
Under the FAA's published mobility-aid guidance, lithium-ion batteries above 300 Wh are generally not allowed for passenger aircraft carriage as a mobility-aid battery. Ask the manufacturer whether a lower-Wh travel battery is sold for your model, and confirm with the airline.
Where do spare batteries go?
Spare lithium batteries typically must travel in the cabin (carry-on), with terminals protected from short circuit. Check the FAA spare limits (one up to 300 Wh or two up to 160 Wh each) and your airline's page.
How often will you update this table?
We re-check the linked official pages when we refresh this guide. The date at the top shows the last check. Always open the airline link yourself before you book.
Related Guides
- Flying with a mobility scooter or power wheelchair: battery rules
- Mobility scooter vs power wheelchair
- Paiseec S3 vs Q3 vs Q5
Please note: This guide is general product and travel information, not medical advice, and has not been reviewed by a clinician. Talk with your doctor, physical therapist or mobility specialist about which device is right for you. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Airline and airport rules change; confirm with your airline and check the official FAA and TSA pages before you fly. We are not saying any product is FAA-approved or airline-approved.
Shipping and Help
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