Planning to fly with a folding electric wheelchair? The key is to contact your airline before booking and give them clear information about the wheelchair, its lithium battery and how the chair is made safe for transport.
This guide explains the practical steps for Australian travellers. Airline policies and aircraft restrictions vary, so approval must always come directly from the operating airline.
Can you take an electric wheelchair on a plane?
Battery-powered wheelchairs can generally travel as mobility aids, but the airline must approve and arrange their carriage. The airline will need to know the battery type, battery watt-hour rating, wheelchair dimensions and weight, and whether the battery is removable.
Contact the airline as early as possible and confirm the arrangements again at least 48 hours before departure. If your trip involves more than one airline, obtain approval from every operating carrier.
What information should you give the airline?
- Wheelchair make and model
- Overall dimensions and total travelling weight
- Battery chemistry, voltage, amp-hour capacity and watt-hour rating
- Whether the battery can be removed
- How to switch off the chair and prevent accidental activation
- How to fold, lift and safely handle the wheelchair
- How the battery terminals are protected from short circuit
- Any manufacturer battery documentation requested by the airline
The watt-hour rating may be printed on the battery. If it is not shown, it can be calculated as volts × amp hours = watt-hours. Ask us before travelling if you need help locating your product information.
One battery or two: understanding wheelchair range
EASWE wheelchair driving range depends on the model, battery setup, terrain, user weight, speed, temperature and battery condition.
Where an EASWE wheelchair listing states approximately 24–48 km, the standard chair includes one battery for approximately 24 km of range. Reaching up to approximately 48 km requires the optional compatible second battery. A second battery is not included unless the product listing or your order specifically says so.
These are estimated maximum ranges, not guaranteed travel distances. Always allow a safety margin and charge batteries fully before a journey.
What happens to removable lithium batteries?
The airline will decide whether the battery can remain securely installed or must be removed. Removed and spare lithium batteries normally require special protection and may need to travel in the passenger cabin. Battery terminals must be protected and each battery should be kept safe from damage.
Do not place a removed or spare mobility-aid battery into checked luggage without the airline's express instructions. Never travel with a battery that is damaged, swollen, leaking or overheating.
Before you leave for the airport
- Get written approval or a booking note from the airline.
- Fully charge the wheelchair and test its controls.
- Photograph the wheelchair and its condition.
- Attach a simple handling card showing how to switch it off, fold it and release the brakes.
- Remove loose cushions, bags and accessories that could be lost.
- Protect the joystick and other vulnerable parts.
- Carry the airline approval and battery information with you.
- Arrive early and inspect the wheelchair for damage as soon as it is returned.
Choosing a wheelchair for car and air travel
A lightweight folding design can make transfers and storage easier, but airline acceptance depends on more than weight alone. Compare the folded dimensions, total weight with battery, battery specifications and lifting needs before choosing a model.
View our folding electric wheelchairs or browse compatible batteries and accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Does every EASWE wheelchair include two batteries?
No. The standard wheelchair includes one battery unless its individual product listing says otherwise. An optional compatible second battery must be purchased separately when you want the extended range available on supported models.
Does a second battery guarantee 48 km?
No. Up to 48 km is an estimate under suitable conditions. Hills, surfaces, temperature, user weight, driving style and battery age can reduce the actual range.
Can M&M Collective approve my wheelchair for a flight?
No. Only the operating airline can approve a wheelchair and battery for carriage. We can help you identify the product and battery details to provide to them.
Where can I check the Australian rules?
See the Civil Aviation Safety Authority guidance for wheelchairs and mobility aids and the IATA dangerous goods guidance for passengers. Always follow the operating airline's current instructions.
Need product details before you travel? Contact M&M Collective on 0494 689 495 or admin@mandmco.com.au.