Can you take a mobility scooter on a plane? In short, yes. Having mobility difficulties shouldn’t stop you from flying to your dream destination, and thankfully, it doesn’t have to. With the right airline-approved mobility scooter, travelling has never been simpler.
We have put together a guide to help you choose the right, foldable, airline-approved mobility scooter for your next flight.
What should I look for when buying an airline-approved mobility scooter?
Lithium-Ion Battery Compliance
The first thing to consider when looking for a flight-friendly mobility scooter is the power rating of its lithium battery. Some lithium batteries can be a fire hazard on planes, so there are very strict rules put in place by the CAA. The maximum size of a lithium-ion battery allowed for mobility scooters is 300Wh (Watt-hours). Always confirm battery regulations with your airline before booking, as some carriers have smaller limits.
Manual vs Electrical Folding
When choosing a mobility scooter for flying, you have to consider how it folds for the duration of the flight. Some airlines will ask you to disconnect the battery so they can put it in the cabin for safety reasons. If you’ve chosen a scooter that folds down electronically, this won’t be possible once you’ve disconnected the battery. Manual folding scooters won’t be affected if the airline needs the battery disconnected for the flight.
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Expert tip: If your mobility scooter can be taken apart into multiple pieces, don’t disassemble it. Airlines are notorious for losing pieces of luggage; you don’t want to get to your destination and find out you’re missing a vital component of your scooter. Some 26 million pieces of luggage were lost, delayed or damaged in 2022 - nearly eight bags in every 1,000. The bigger your item, the less likely it is to be lost. |
Mobility Scooter Size
Many brands now offer flight-friendly folding mobility scooters designed for compact storage in car boots and garages. This is a huge step towards simpler, more inclusive travel. Whilst each airline has its own rules and regulations based on the width of its aircraft carrier doors, a lot of standard models meet the majority of airline size requirements.
For example, the smallest requirements for UK mobility scooter sizes are Ryanair’s dimension limits:
- The dimensions of the wheelchair when collapsed must not exceed 81cms (height), 119cms (width) and 119cms (depth). Size restrictions for Wheelchairs/Mobility Scooters are due to the aircraft's maximum door opening dimensions.
- Wheelchairs/Mobility Scooters weighing more than 150kg require pre-authorisation and will not be accepted for carriage without this.
For budget airlines, we would recommend our Ultra Lightweight Folding Mobility Scooter or our Folding Mobility Scooters. Our folding mobility scooter range meets the majority of UK airline mobility scooter rules.
Airport Considerations Whilst Travelling With A Mobility Scooter
Airport Gate Check
Most airlines, such as British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair, allow mobility scooters to be checked at the gate, which is perfect for bulkier scooters. If you’re happy to travel through the airport without your scooter, your options open up. If you’d prefer to keep your scooter with you through the airport, you’ll have to choose a lightweight, foldable, cabin-sized mobility scooter.
Contacting The Airline
It’s always a great idea to get in touch directly with the airline you’re flying with, as each company has their own rules and regulations. Make sure you contact them in advance to confirm whether your specific scooter models fit the airline's size and battery requirements. Whilst booking flights online, you can usually add mobility equipment. We recommend still contacting the airline directly to ensure you’re complying with their rules. There would be nothing worse than realising at the airport that your mobility aid can’t join you on the flight.
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Airline |
Mobility Scooter Dimensions (Collapsed) |
Weight Limit |
Battery Limits |
Pre-Approval Requirement |
Check-in Procedure |
|
British Airways |
Max. 119 cm x 81 cm x 119 cm |
Up to 150 kg |
Lithium-Ion battery max 300Wh, must be removed for cabin storage |
No pre-approval needed for most scooters |
Gate check at departure, available for use at the airport and on board. |
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EasyJet |
Max. 119 cm x 81 cm x 119 cm |
Up to 150 kg |
Lithium-Ion battery max 300Wh, must be disconnected |
No pre-approval required for standard scooters |
Gate check at departure, scooter returned after arrival at the aircraft door. |
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Ryanair |
Max. 81 cm (height), 119 cm (width), 119 cm (depth) |
Up to 150 kg |
Lithium-Ion battery max 300Wh, must be removed for cabin storage |
Pre-approval required for scooters exceeding 150 kg |
Gate check at departure, wheelchair/scooter returned after arrival. |
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Jet2 |
Max. 119 cm x 81 cm x 119 cm |
Up to 150 kg |
Lithium-Ion battery max 300Wh, must be removed |
No pre-approval required for standard scooters |
Gate check at departure, scooter returned at the aircraft door. |
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TUI Airways |
Max. 119 cm x 81 cm x 119 cm |
Up to 150 kg |
Lithium-Ion battery max 300Wh, must be removed for cabin storage |
Pre-approval needed for scooters over 150 kg |
Gate check at departure, scooter returned after landing. |
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Aer Lingus |
Max. 119 cm x 81 cm x 119 cm |
Up to 150 kg |
Lithium-Ion battery max 300Wh, must be removed |
Pre-approval required for heavy or large scooters |
Gate check at departure, scooter returned at the aircraft door. |
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Wizz Air |
Max. 119 cm x 81 cm x 119 cm |
Up to 150 kg |
Lithium-Ion battery max 300Wh, must be removed |
No pre-approval required for most scooters |
Gate check at departure, scooter returned at the aircraft door. |
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Norwegian Air |
Max. 119 cm x 81 cm x 119 cm |
Up to 150 kg |
Lithium-Ion battery max 300Wh, must be removed |
Pre-approval required for heavy scooters |
Gate check at departure, scooter returned after landing. |
*Always verify the specifics with the airline directly before booking. Policies can change or be specific to aircraft types, and confirming these details can help avoid surprises or delays at the airport.
Compare Our Airline-Approved Mobility Scooters
|
Model |
Price |
Total Weight |
Foldable? |
Battery Type |
Typical Airline Compatibility |
Key Features |
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£1899.99 |
Approx 22kg |
Yes |
6ah Lithium- Ion |
Likely compatible (with battery restrictions) |
Our most popular option for travel |
|
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£999.99 |
Approx. 20kg |
Yes |
10.4 ah Lithium-Ion |
Likely compatible (with battery restrictions) |
Affordable. Foldable, but the weight might exceed cabin limits for some airlines. |
|
|
£1,499.99 |
Approx. 34kg |
Yes |
5ah or 10ah Lithium-Ion |
Likely compatible (check specific airline restrictions) |
Automatic folding, lightweight, portable. |
|
|
£2295.00 |
24kg |
Yes |
2x 6.6ah Lithium Ion |
Likely compatible (check specific airline restrictions) |
Lightweight and folds into a compact form |
|
|
£1,995.99 |
Approx. 30kg |
Yes |
Lithium-Ion |
Might exceed size limits for some airlines |
a larger frame, unlikely for small aircraft. |
|
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£1,499.99 |
Approx. 25kg |
Yes |
Lithium-Ion |
Likely compatible (verify size and battery) |
Standard fold, likely suitable for most airlines. |
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£479.99 |
Approx. 16kg |
Yes |
Sealed Lead-Acid (varies) |
Likely compatible (if battery meets airline restrictions) |
Very lightweight, affordable. Best for light use, might have battery limitations. |
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£2299.99 |
Approx. 25kg |
Yes |
Lithium-Ion |
Likely compatible (with battery size restrictions) |
Premium lightweight, good for travel, compact fold. |
Call Our Experts Today For Flight-Friendly Scooter Advice.
Choose Easy Living Mobility for your Airline-Approved Mobility Scooter
Our team of mobility experts has been helping people in the UK find their perfect mobility aid for over 20 years! You can shop with confidence, knowing our experts will assist you throughout your decision-making journey.
Shop our extensive collection of airline-approved mobility scooters and discover even more options. From the Aero, IGlide Dual, EMax Folding Mobility Scooter, Autobot x to the iGlide AutoFolding, we have the ideal scooter for everyone.
We’re dedicated to offering quality, customer service, and respect, and we aim to help you find the perfect mobility aid. This includes our range of mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, and walking aids.
The best bit? We have a team ready to help you choose the perfect model for you! Offering fully bespoke advice, you can chat with our experts to get your scooter ordered today. Shop with Easy Living Mobility today for fast delivery on all products.
FAQs
What type of mobility scooters are allowed on planes?
Generally, lightweight, foldable scooters with airline-approved lithium-ion batteries (usually up to 300Wh) are accepted. Manual folding models are often easiest for travel.
Do I need to remove the battery from my mobility scooter when flying?
Some airlines require you to remove the battery and carry it in the cabin. Check your scooter’s manual and airline policy to ensure you’re aware in advance.
Does a mobility scooter count as luggage on a flight?
No, mobility scooters don’t count as luggage on a flight; they are considered medical equipment and do not count toward your standard baggage allowance. Most airlines allow you to bring up to two mobility aids free of charge.
Can I use my mobility scooter in the airport and at the gate?
Yes, most airlines allow you to use your scooter in the airport up to the gate, where it will be checked in before boarding.
