Electric mobility aid
air travel pack
Essential guidance and forms for safe air travel with your electric mobility device. Complete forms online, save to your device, print blank copies, or download with your information filled in.
Flying with your electric mobility aid
This is a guide only. Requirements vary significantly between airlines and countries. Always check with your specific airline before booking and travelling. Airlines have the final authority on whether passengers and equipment can fly.
Before you travel
Check airline requirements BEFORE booking
Contact potential airlines during your planning phase. Each airline has different policies, size limitations, and documentation requirements. Confirm your specific device can be transported before purchasing tickets.
Understand UN38.3 battery certification and test summary
All spare and installed lithium batteries must comply with UN38.3 safety testing requirements.
Travellers should request a full UN38.3 test summary from the manufacturer - not just a certificate.
A test summary proves that the battery has passed all UN38.3 safety tests (altitude, temperature, vibration, shock, and short-circuiting).
- Includes manufacturer and test laboratory details
- Lists battery model and description
- Contains test report ID, date, and signature
- Confirms all tests (T.1–T.8) were completed successfully
⚠️ Applies to all lithium batteries used in mobility aids, e-mobility devices, and battery add-ons.
Review manufacturer guidelines
Read your mobility equipment manufacturer's travel information. Different models have specific handling instructions. Bring your owner's manual and ensure all removable components are noted.
Study aviation authority guidelines
Review official information from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), and destination-country aviation authorities for the latest regulations.
Consider additional insurance
Airlines are responsible for transit damage but may not cover full replacement costs. Check if your home or travel insurance can be extended to include your mobility aid.
At the airport
Prepare your device for travel
Remove and pack detachable items (headrests, armrests, leg supports) separately. Protect vulnerable components and bring tools for reassembly. Be aware your device may be exposed to weather during handling.
Request special assistance early
Provide full device and battery details when booking. Early notification helps airlines and ground handlers prepare, reducing the risk of delay.
Arrive early and communicate
Arrive early (3 hours for long-haul, 2 for short-haul). Speak to airline staff at the gate to confirm handling arrangements and loading method.
Prepare and carry documentation
Keep all documents accessible: UN38.3 test summary, owner's manual, device dimensions, and emergency contacts.
Use high-visibility labels reminding handlers to lift from the frame, not the armrests.
When you arrive
Inspect your equipment immediately
Check your equipment as soon as it's returned. Photograph any damage and report it immediately.
Even if undamaged, check fastenings, controls, and tyres before use.
Know your rights
For passenger rights and accessibility information:
- UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA): www.caa.co.uk/passengers
- European Regulation EC1107/2006
- IATA Guidance on battery and mobility aid transport
Information to share with airlines and ground service providers
Airlines may have their own official documentation requirements. This form is designed to help you gather and organize the information airlines typically need. Use it to:
- Prepare the correct information before contacting your airline
- Ensure you can answer airline questions about your device
- Submit to airlines who accept this format (always check first)
- Keep a personal record of your device specifications
Questions about your device specifications or battery information? Contact your mobility aid manufacturer for accurate technical details and transport guidance.
Option 2: Complete online, email PDF directly to your airline
Option 3: Take screenshots of completed form and send to airline
Option 4: Print blank form and complete by hand
Option 5: Print completed form with your information filled in
⚠️ Note: "Download as PDF" uses your browser's print-to-PDF function. In the print dialog, select "Save as PDF" instead of a printer to save the file to your device.
Need help with device information? Contact your mobility aid manufacturer for assistance with specifications, battery details, and transport guidance.
Caution notice for handlers
Airlines may have their own official forms and requirements. This caution notice is provided as a helpful tool to communicate critical handling information to ground staff. Always follow your airline's specific procedures and requirements.
How to use this notice:
- Print and fill in the device information fields
- Attach visibly to your mobility aid before check-in
- Use as supplementary information alongside airline documents
⚠️ CAUTION NOTICE FOR HANDLERS
Powered wheelchairs can be heavy and require multiple-person lifts. Lift only from the base/frame — never from the armrests.
Keep upright at all times. Do not stow or transport on the side — this may cause component damage.
Ensure joystick controller is powered off and disconnected where possible. Verify motor locks are correctly set for transit.
Be aware that weather exposure may occur during loading and unloading. Handle batteries with care — all lithium batteries must be UN38.3 compliant.
Attach this caution notice visibly to the mobility aid before travel.
Space for handwritten notes
Batteries – UN38.3 test summary requirement
What is UN38.3?
All lithium batteries — including those used in electric mobility aids, e-mobility devices, and battery add-ons or boosters — must meet United Nations Test and Criteria Section 38.3 (UN38.3).
This ensures batteries have passed rigorous safety tests for altitude, vibration, temperature extremes, shock, and short-circuiting, proving they are safe for air transport.
Why it matters
Airlines and ground handlers can only accept batteries that have been proven safe through UN38.3 testing.
How to obtain it
Request the UN38.3 test summary directly from your battery or mobility aid manufacturer (not a reseller or dealer).
It should be available for every lithium battery model used in your equipment. You can usually download this from the manufacturer's technical or safety documentation portal.
What a genuine test summary includes
- Manufacturer's name and contact details
- Test laboratory name and contact details
- Battery model and description
- Unique test report identification number
- Date of issue and signature of responsible test officer
- Confirmation that all UN38.3 tests (T.1–T.8) were successfully completed
- Lack manufacturer or lab details
- Miss test ID or issue date
- Refer to a different battery model
- Contain only logos or marketing claims
Traveller tip
💡 Carry both printed and digital copies of your UN38.3 test summary when flying. Airlines may ask to review it at check-in or during pre-clearance of your electric mobility aid.
Further information
For more information on UN38.3 compliance and battery transport safety:
- UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Section 38.3: unece.org
- International Air Transport Association (IATA): www.iata.org
- UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA): www.caa.co.uk/passengers