Guidelines for Airline Passengers Using Battery-Powered Wheelchairs

If the passenger cannot provide pre-notification, for example, if they need to travel at short notice, the airport and ope​rator must make all reasonable efforts to provide the special assistance to enable the passenger to travel. However, if an operator is unable to satisfy itself of the steps required for a battery-powered mobility aid to be carried safely, its carriage may be denied.

The presence of a battery will impact how the mobility aid is transported. Having this information in advance will enable operators to meet international transport regulations.

In case the user of the mobility device is unable to locate the manufacturer’s instructions, providing this information may enable the operator to obtain the information from the manufacturer’s website or from other sources.

Providing the battery type is an important piece of information the operator requires to determine how to prepare the device prior to and during loading onto the aircraft. The five battery types are: non-spillable, nickel-metal hydride, dry, spillable and lithium ion.

• for non-spillable, nickel-metal hydride and dry batteries, all removed and spare batteries must be packed in a strong and rigid packaging.
• for spillable batteries, the mobility aid must always be kept upright, or if this is not possible, the battery must be removed from the mobility aid.
• for lithium ion batteries, the number and Watt-hour rating of installed and spare battery(ies) are required where the mobility aid is specifically designed for the battery to be removed during transport.

This information is required to enable the operator to plan the loading of the device onto the aircraft and help them determine if additional resources are required prior to or during loading and securing within the aircraft.

The dimensions of the device are required to determine that the aircraft door and cargo compartment can accommodate the mobility aid. Depending on the aircraft type that operates a particular route, including any connecting flights, the mobility aid may be too big to fit in the aircraft. Having the dimensions in advance will provide the operator an opportunity to offer an alternative routing or flights to accommodate passengers travelling with large mobility aids.

In the event the mobility aid as presented for travel cannot fit in the aircraft cargo compartment, are there any removable or adjustable parts that will help to reduce the height/width of the mobility aid?Reducing the size may help operators to safely accommodate the mobility aid. Smaller removable parts should be placed in a suitable container or bag and stowed in the cabin with the passenger.

The Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) require the battery to be removed for carriage where the battery is specifically designed to be removed for transport. This typically applies where the battery is not protected by the design of the mobility aid and the manufacturer of the device intends that the battery must be removed for the device to be folded, or otherwise prepared for transport.

To prevent accidental activation during flight, the operator is required to verify the power is disconnected and electrical circuits are isolated. The user should provide instructions on how to do this before departure.

Prior to loading the device onto the aircraft, it must be put into freewheel mode. The passenger should be asked for instructions on how to do this before departure.