A mobility scooter should not stop you going away. It does mean a few phone calls before you book rather than questions at the desk on the day.
Flying: the battery decides everything
Airlines care about one thing above all: what kind of battery it has, and how big.
Lithium batteries are what "airline friendly" usually refers to. Airlines set limits by watt-hours (Wh), printed on the battery itself. Below a certain figure most carriers accept it, often requiring the battery to be removed and carried in the cabin.
Lead-acid batteries are generally not accepted for air travel. If flying matters to you, that is a decision to make when you buy the scooter, not later.
What to do, and when
- Ring the airline before you book the flight. Not after. Policies differ between carriers and change
- Have ready: make and model, folded dimensions, total weight, battery type and its watt-hour rating
- Ask whether the battery must come into the cabin, and how it should be packaged
- Ask what documentation they want. Some request the battery specification sheet — we can supply it
- Get the answer in writing. An email you can show at the desk is worth a great deal
- Book assistance at both airports at the same time
Allow weeks, not days. And do this for every trip — an airline's policy in March may not be its policy in September.
Protecting it in transit
Hold baggage handling is not gentle. Remove or secure anything that can snap off — baskets, mirrors, the tiller if it folds. A padded travel bag is a sound investment, and photograph the scooter before you hand it over so any damage claim is straightforward.
Ferries and cruises
Generally the most relaxed option — you can often stay on the scooter for much of the journey. Tell the operator when booking so you get an accessible cabin and a suitable boarding route. Cruise lines usually need to know dimensions in advance to confirm it fits the cabin door.
Trains and coaches
Trains: most UK operators accept scooters within size and weight limits, and assistance can be booked in advance — usually up to a couple of hours before travel, though earlier is better. Some operators run a permit scheme.
Coaches: more restrictive. Folding scooters that go in the luggage hold are widely accepted; larger ones often are not. Always check with the specific operator.
Once you are there
- Take your charger and the right plug adapter. Check the voltage — most modern chargers handle 100–240V, but confirm it on the label rather than assume
- Ask the hotel where you can charge, and whether there is a step at the entrance
- Pavements abroad can be worse than at home. Kerbs, cobbles and missing dropped kerbs are common
- Check your insurance covers you abroad. Many policies do not by default
Hiring instead
Worth considering. Many resorts and cruise lines hire scooters, and for one trip a year it can be cheaper and far less hassle than transporting your own. It also means your scooter is not the one being handled at an airport.
Ask us before you book
Ring free on 0800 593 0400 and we will give you the battery figures and dimensions your airline will ask for.
Looking for something to travel with? Filter for folding scooters and look for airline-friendly models.