Flying With a Mobility Scooter: Battery Rules (2026)

Short answer: Under FAA rules, a lithium-ion battery that powers a wheelchair or mobility scooter can be up to 300 Wh. You may also bring one spare up to 300 Wh or two spares up to 160 Wh each, and spares must ride in the cabin, never in checked bags. If the battery is securely installed and protected by the device's design, it can stay in and the device is checked; if not, the battery comes out and goes in your carry-on. Lithium metal batteries are not allowed with these devices. Airlines can be stricter, so always confirm with yours before you book.

Rules checked on the FAA, TSA, Delta, United and American Airlines websites on October 26, 2026. Links are at the end.

What Are the FAA Battery Rules for Wheelchairs and Scooters?

Your situation	What the FAA allows	Where it goes
Lithium-ion battery installed and protected by the device's design	Battery stays installed; terminals protected from short circuit; device protected from accidental activation	Device is checked, not carried on. Tell the airline where the battery is.
Lithium-ion battery not adequately protected, or removed	Battery limited to 300 Wh; must be removed, terminals protected, and protected from damage (for example, in a pouch)	Battery in carry-on only. Tell the airline where it is.
Spare lithium-ion batteries	One spare up to 300 Wh, or two spares up to 160 Wh each	Carry-on only
Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries	Forbidden with these devices	Not allowed
Non-spillable (gel, AGM) or spillable batteries	Separate rules; may stay installed if secured and protected. Spillable batteries must stay upright or be removed and packed by the airline.	Ask your airline

Source: FAA PackSafe: Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices and FAA: Airline Passengers and Batteries. The underlying regulation is 49 CFR 175.10.

How Do I Find My Battery's Watt-Hours?

Look at the label. Newer lithium-ion batteries usually print the Wh rating. If yours only shows volts and amp-hours, the FAA says to multiply them: volts × amp-hours = watt-hours (FAA PackSafe: Lithium Batteries).

The Paiseec S3 scooter's standard battery is listed as 36V 12Ah, which works out to about 432 Wh. That is above the 300 Wh limit, so most airlines will not accept it. Paiseec sells a separate, lower-capacity battery that it markets for air travel; check that battery's label and your airline's rules.
The Paiseec D3 scooter uses two 24V 6.6Ah batteries, about 158 Wh each, according to Paiseec's specs.
For the Paiseec Q3 and Paiseec Q5 power chairs, our product pages do not list a Wh figure yet. Check the label on the battery, or call us and we will ask Paiseec before you book.

Tip: American Airlines says that for travel on or after March 31, 2027, a lithium-ion battery for a wheelchair, scooter, or other mobility device must be removable, rated 300 Wh or less, carried with you in the cabin, and show the watt-hour rating on the manufacturer's label. A handwritten or customer-made label will not count. Devices with non-removable lithium-ion batteries will not be accepted on American flights on or after that date. Until then, current American rules still apply—confirm with Special Assistance before you fly.

What Happens at TSA Security?

Tell the officer whether you can stand or walk. If you can't, you can ask to be screened while seated in your wheelchair or scooter (TSA: Disabilities and Medical Conditions).
Officers will screen the wheelchair or scooter itself, including seat cushions and non-removable pouches, and test it for traces of explosives. Removable items go through the X-ray.
If you are 75 or older and in a wheelchair or scooter, TSA says you may remain seated in standard lanes while an officer tests your hands.
You can ask for a TSA Passenger Support Specialist. TSA asks you to request one at least 72 hours before your flight through TSA Cares, (855) 787-2227 (TSA Cares). Airport wheelchair service comes from the airline, not TSA.
TSA's item page notes that battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility devices are allowed through the checkpoint but not into the aircraft cabin; they travel in the hold (TSA: Battery powered wheelchairs and mobility devices).

How Do Delta, United and American Compare?

All three follow the federal limits above but add their own steps. This is a summary of each airline's published page as of October 26, 2026. Policies change, so read the current page before you fly.

Airline	Lithium-ion mobility batteries	Notice and handling
Delta	Easily removed battery: two spares if under 160 Wh each, or one spare if under 300 Wh. Battery built in as an integral part of the device: Delta lists no size limit. Terminals must be protected, and the battery must have passed UN 38.3 testing.	Delta asks for 48 hours' notice for battery-powered devices, through the Fly Delta app, My Trips or 404-209-3434 (Delta wheelchair services).
United	If the lithium-ion battery is in a protective casing, it stays attached and the chair travels in the cargo hold. If not, the battery must be removed and carried on, and you must tell a flight attendant.	Electric wheelchairs are checked at the ticket counter or gate. United asks you to attach written handling instructions, including battery type. It's free to check up to two mobility devices.
American	Starting March 31, 2027: the battery must be removable, rated 300 Wh or less, carried with you in the cabin, and show its Wh rating on the manufacturer's label. Devices with non-removable lithium-ion batteries will not be accepted. Spares: one up to 300 Wh or two up to 160 Wh each, in the cabin.	Questions: American Special Assistance, 800-237-7976.

Does the FAA Approve Scooters or Wheelchairs?

Be careful with that phrase. The FAA's PackSafe rules set limits for the battery and how it is packed; the airline then decides whether to accept your device on a given flight. A manufacturer may describe a battery as designed for air travel, but that is not a promise that every airline will accept it. Always check the battery label and confirm with your airline before you book.

Pre-Flight Checklist

Find the battery type (lithium-ion, gel or spillable) and the Wh rating on the label.
Check whether the battery is removable and how to disconnect it or prevent accidental activation (key, switch or removed joystick).
Read your airline's current page and tell the airline about the device when you book, ideally at least 48 hours ahead.
Measure the device as it will travel (folded) and note its weight. United, for example, warns that chairs over 250 lb may not fit every aircraft.
Pack spares in your carry-on with terminals taped or capped, each in its own pouch.
Print or tape handling instructions to the device, including the battery type and location.
Arrive early. Allow extra check-in time for battery-powered devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum battery size for a mobility scooter on a plane?

Under FAA rules, a lithium-ion battery that powers a mobility aid is limited to 300 Wh when it has to be removed. Spares are limited to one up to 300 Wh or two up to 160 Wh each. Airlines can set stricter limits, so check yours.

Can I check my mobility scooter battery?

Spare or removed lithium-ion batteries must go in your carry-on, not checked bags. A battery that is securely installed and protected by the device's design can stay in the device, which is then checked.

How do I work out watt-hours?

Multiply the battery's volts by its amp-hours. For example, a 36V 12Ah battery is about 432 Wh, which is over the 300 Wh limit.

Can I fly with the Paiseec S3?

Not with its standard 36V 12Ah battery (about 432 Wh). Paiseec sells a separate, lower-capacity battery that it markets for air travel. Check that battery's Wh label and confirm with your airline before you book.

Do I need to tell the airline in advance?

It is strongly recommended. Delta asks for 48 hours' notice for battery-powered devices, and the FAA notes that advance arrangements and extra check-in time may be necessary.

Can I stay in my wheelchair through TSA screening?

Yes. If you can't stand or walk, you can ask to be screened while seated. Officers will also screen the chair itself. You can request a TSA Passenger Support Specialist at least 72 hours ahead through TSA Cares.

Shop and Compare

Folding travel scooters compared, with calculated Wh for each battery.
Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs.
Mobility scooter vs power wheelchair: how to choose.

Sources

Please note: This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice. We summarize public FAA, TSA and airline pages as of the date above; we are not affiliated with any airline or agency. Rules change, and the airline makes the final decision, so confirm with your airline before you fly.

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Flying With a Mobility Scooter or Power Wheelchair: Battery Rules (2026)