October 11, 2024 | Terry Smith

Can you take a folding mobility scooter on a plane?

If you love to travel and use a folding mobility scooter, you may wonder whether you can take your scooter with you when travelling on a plane.

In this article, we will outline the rules and guidelines that apply in the UK, so you know exactly what to do when planning your next vacation abroad.

Can you take your mobility scooter on a plane?

Yes, you can take a mobility scooter on a plane, but bear in mind that the scooter will most likely be stored in the hold luggage during the flight. This is because most airlines don’t permit equipment such as scooters to be taken into the passenger cabin, due to their size and weight.

There are some scooters, such as the Atto Sport, which fold up to the size of a cabin luggage bag. This may mean you can take it into the cabin, but we would recommend checking with the airline first.

Before flying with your scooter, there are several things to consider, which we will cover below.

1. Ensure your mobility scooter is plane-friendly

Your scooter must be fitted with airline-friendly lithium-ion batteries, which are found on most modern scooters. If you’re unsure whether your scooter has airline-friendly batteries, feel free to reach out to us for advice or contact the manufacturer directly.

It’s also useful if your scooter is easily foldable or dismantlable, as this will allow the airline to store it more easily in the hold.

2. Inform the airline

Before booking any flights, it’s important to check whether the airline has any restrictions regarding equipment such as mobility scooters. These can vary depending on who you fly with.

When booking your flights, it’s important to inform the airline that you will be bringing your scooter with you, to ensure it is loaded and stowed securely during the flight. For maximum peace of mind, we advise you to:

Inform the airline of the make and model of your scooter
Provide a copy of the user manual, to help the airline crew safely transport and store your scooter before and after the flight

3. Check your insurance

While you don’t have to have insurance in place when travelling on a plane, it is recommended.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority states that airlines are liable for any damage to mobility equipment. However, the compensation may be limited to around £1,300 so you may want to take out extra insurance.

They also state that if your scooter is damaged during the flight or by staff, the airport is responsible for providing a temporary alternative while yours is repaired or replaced. It’s important to note that the alternative they provide does not have to be on a like-for-like basis, so you may receive an entirely different alternative to your scooter.

Examples of travel-friendly folding scooters

We stock a number of folding lightweight mobility scooters that are ideal for travel.

For a detailed article on this subject, please read – Top 5 lightest folding mobility scooters in the UK (August 2024)

Some examples of travel-friendly mobility scooters include:

1. Atto Sport Folding Scooter

The ATTO SPORT Folding Mobility Scooter is packed with clever design features that give it distinct advantages over other travel scooters. It folds down to the size of a travel suitcase, so it can be put in a car boot, or taken on a train, cruise liner or aeroplane. Depending on the airline, it can even be taken as hand luggage!

Check it out here.

2. Komfi Rider Mirage Folding Mobility Scooter

The Komfi Rider Mirage is a 4-wheel folding mobility scooter with an aluminium frame and lithium battery. Comes complete with a padded seat, armrests and large storage basket as standard. The Mirage is very lightweight, at only 14.7kg, making it ideal for travel.

Find out more here.

Top 5 lightest folding mobility scooters in the UK (August 2024)

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