A growing number of individuals with disabilities, particularly those facing physical challenges, are engaging in travel. An electric wheelchair attachment serves as a device that significantly enhances mobility and speed. This type of attachment enables individuals using manual wheelchairs to move more swiftly, navigate obstacles more efficiently, and traverse challenging terrain. It frequently empowers individuals to navigate daily life independently, particularly those with upper limb paralysis, reducing their reliance on assistance from companions. Moreover, an electric attachment for manual wheelchairs proves to be an excellent companion for travel. Nevertheless, the question often arises regarding the feasibility and procedures for traveling with such equipment. This article provides comprehensive insights into the considerations and steps involved in bringing an electric wheelchair attachment on a plane journey.
The research
Electric wheelchair attachment
An electric wheelchair add-on, or electric drive for a manual wheelchair, is essentially akin to half of a bicycle. It comprises one wheel featuring an electric motor, along with a steering wheel for directional control and levers for adjusting speed or applying brakes. The integration of the entire wheelchair attachment is designed for swift connection and disconnection. Thanks to a substantial wheel, this attachment enables off-road driving and effortless navigation across uneven surfaces. Particularly beneficial for individuals with restricted mobility, including upper-limb limitations, the electric wheelchair attachment proves to be a versatile solution suitable for both everyday use and travel.
Manufacturers engage in competition, showcasing various innovations in the attachments they offer. Nevertheless, this article focuses not on the types of attachments but rather on the technical aspects of traveling with an electric drive. Having owned an electric starter for several years, I can attest that it has profoundly transformed my life. How, you may wonder? It has granted me the ability to move independently, a capability I could only fantasize about in the past. Moreover, this attachment is a constant companion during my travels. It has accompanied me to numerous countries, whether by car, train, ship, or plane. Throughout these journeys, I have tested it in diverse environments, including mountains, rainforests, cities, and beaches. Without a doubt, I can affirm that this is a remarkable invention.
Right, and snap batteries. What about them on the plane?
There are various aspects of aviation law that apply to the transportation of batteries by passengers. The key guidelines for both airlines and passengers revolve around IATA regulations, which stands for the International Air Transport Association. However, the application of these regulations can vary in practice.
IATA recommendations and airlines
IATA, an organization uniting nearly 300 member airlines, plays a significant role in establishing regulations for air transport, including guidelines for handling dangerous goods. Consequently, it is crucial to consult the specific regulations regarding the transportation of an electric adapter on an aircraft. Resolution 700, introduced by IATA, addresses the needs of individuals with disabilities and outlines the necessary assistance . The regulations emphasize that airlines cannot refuse transportation to a person with a disability unless there is a potential threat to other passengers, crew members, or the flight itself. Additionally, IATA classifies electric wheelchairs and electric adapters as dangerous goods when aboard an aircraft. These regulations serve as the basis for airlines’ decisions on permitting or denying the carriage of batteries. IATA guidelines provide recommendations regarding acceptable battery types, their capacity, and the safety measures during transport. Depending on the battery type and power, there are specific restrictions and criteria for transporting them in either hand luggage or checked baggage. IATA has issued a comprehensive guide outlining the precise specifications for the batteries an electric adapter can have on an airplane and the appropriate methods for their transportation.
What do airlines say about the electric adapter on the plane?
When dealing with larger batteries, it is often necessary to inform the airline in advance of the flight. If the battery capacity exceeds the permitted limits, airlines may impose restrictions or outright bans on carrying them to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. It is crucial to thoroughly review the specific regulations of the chosen airline before embarking on the journey.
Most airlines provide guidelines on transporting batteries, typically stating that for lithium metal batteries, the lithium metal content should not exceed 2 g, and for lithium-ion batteries, the rated value should not exceed 100 Wh. All batteries must be safeguarded against short circuits.
Unfortunately, there is limited information available about batteries for electric devices and their transport on planes. Therefore, individuals intending to carry adapters on a plane should contact the selected airline in advance to confirm the possibility and obtain specific details.
Various airlines have different rules regarding battery transport. For instance, Ryanair stipulates that they accept only dry/gel cell or lithium-ion batteries for wheelchairs, with lithium-ion batteries not exceeding 300 W. In the case of devices with two batteries, each should not exceed 160 Wh.
Wizzair provides concise information, stating that the battery of a stroller or electric adapter must be dry, securely attached to the stroller, and can be taken on board after removing the dry battery.
KLM addresses the issue of batteries in equipment for people with disabilities in a general manner, without specifying the type or capacity.
On the other hand, LOT Polish Airlines offers more detailed information on transporting strollers or electric adapters, specifying requirements based on battery type, power, security measures, and more. Detailed requirements can be found on their website.
Emirates provides comprehensive details, accepting lithium-ion batteries with values of 2×160 Wh or 1×300 Wh, emphasizing the need to dismantle and transport them in the aircraft cabin.
Despite the varied information, none of the airline websites provide details about the documents required for check-in at the airport. Therefore, based on personal experience, I will share the necessary documentation for carrying an electric adapter on a plane.
How do I take an electric adapter on a plane?
Throughout my travel experiences, I’ve utilized various airlines spanning different continents. Drawing from my encounters with numerous, possibly a dozen or more, airlines, including budget carriers, I’ll outline in bullet points the process for declaring an electric adapter and the regulations governing its acceptance for carriage on the aircraft.
Conditions for taking an electric adapter onto an airplane
- The battery cannot be larger than 300 Wh or 2×160 Wh.
- It must be a dry, removable battery – we take the battery with us on board, the attachment and the stroller go in the luggage hold.
- It is crucial that the battery for the adapter has an IATA certificate, which is also in English, allowing for air transportation. This makes the whole procedure easier.
- The entire size of the attachment (calculated without the stroller) must not exceed the maximum dimensions allowed by the airline. This should be checked directly with specific lines each time.
Procedure for reporting the attachment
- The attachment is reported as a second stroller – this is not always necessary, but it won’t hurt
- You need to contact the airline, sometimes via an online form, giving them the dimensions and weight of the adapter and the type of battery
- At the airport, when checking in, it is worth having the IATA battery approval certificate with you
- Both the stroller and the attachment receive a luggage sticker
It is also worth remembering the appropriate codes for the required assistance, which we wrote about in the article Help for Disabled People at the Airport. Moreover, it is important that, according to aviation law, a person using a wheelchair has the right to reach the aircraft door using it, together with the attachment. The following video covers more of these topics:
Electric starter on a train and on a ship
Reporting the battery size is unnecessary, whether on a train or a ship. I’ve only come across size limitations, as seen on Italian railways. While there are no formal restrictions, it’s advisable to keep an eye on the battery. If any concerning issues arise, such as smoke or overheating, it’s crucial to promptly inform the staff.
What factors should be considered when selecting an electric adapter for use during air travel and other journeys?
- In addition to the essential battery, it is beneficial to opt for a battery with air travel-approved capacity.
- The electric attachment’s “airplane” battery should not exceed 300 Wh.
- Ideally, the adapter should feature a dry and detachable battery.
- The connector dimensions must not surpass the specified limits set by airlines.
- Ensuring possession of an IATA certificate allowing air transport of the attachment is advisable.
- Reliability and functionality are crucial aspects of the equipment.
- Ease of attachment connection and disconnection is a desirable feature.
- A compact turning radius is essential, given the attachment’s length, particularly in confined spaces.
- A robust motor is important for the attachment to be versatile.
- The drive system must align with our specific needs.
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