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If you rely on an electric skateboard for travel, you may be wondering if you’re able to take it on a plane with you. The answer is yes, but only if certain safety protocols are followed.
Most airlines will allow electric skateboards on board as long as they have smaller batteries (100-160 watt-hours) and they are carried as a carry-on item. The lithium-ion batteries in electric skateboards must be handled carefully due to their potential danger, so always understand the rules and regulations before attempting to bring one onto the plane.
As stated above, different airlines will have their own set of requirements for carrying an electric skateboard on board, so make sure to check these ahead of time!
Why Can’t I Take An Electric Skateboard On A Plane?
When planning to take an electric skateboard on a plane, it is important to familiarize yourself with the applicable rules and regulations. Most airlines have strict guidelines when it comes to battery size and capacity and the skateboard’s size itself.
If your skateboard does not meet all the requirements of your airline, then you, unfortunately, won’t be able to take it onboard with you. The majority of airlines will only allow installed Lithium-ion batteries that are under 100Wh as check-in baggage due to safety concerns, while batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh require prior approval from authorities before they can board an aircraft.
This is because if a Lithium-ion battery suffers a malfunction or short circuit in mid-flight, this could lead to disaster onboard the plane. As such, some airlines don’t even allow electric skateboards with batteries below the 100Wh mark in the cabin at all.
So for your electric skateboard travel plans, make sure you inquire about what your airline allows before booking a ticket!
What Happens If a Lithium Battery Goes On a Plane?
Traveling with a lithium-ion battery on board an airplane has a lot of people worrying. Passengers are concerned that, due to poor manufacturing or malfunctioning, the batteries may potentially explode and cause panic among passengers or damage the plane.
It is okay for lithium-ion batteries to go onboard if they meet certain power output standards as set by airlines and travel authorities; usually, these must be below 160Wh. In addition, these batteries must be cleared as carry-on or checked baggage – no electric skateboards with greater than 160Wh battery allowed!
To further protect yourself from any potential issues associated with carrying a lithium battery onboard an airplane, make sure you properly package the battery before boarding (e.g., leave spare batteries in their packages or use tape to cover the terminals). Doing so will help minimize any risk posed by taking a lithium battery on your next flight.
What to Consider Beforehand
Before you take an electric skateboard onto a plane, there are a few things to consider concerning safety. Even though they can be taken on the plane, it is essential to follow airline regulations in order to ensure your own safety as well as that of other passengers and crew members.
Due to past incidents with exploding electric hoverboards on airplanes, flight regulations surrounding electric skateboards have become stricter. Therefore, any lithium batteries must be kept in the carry-on along with any other batteries and secured in such a way that they won’t touch other batteries or metal objects. Additionally, batteries of 160 watt-hours or more are illegal, and cannot board planes, so make sure your battery size is within the legal limit.
Always check with the airline before taking your e-skateboard onboard as certain airlines may provide additional packaging or containment for smaller lithium batteries if necessary. With all this in mind, you should be prepared for safe travels!
International Guidelines on Lithium-Ion Batteries on Airplanes
Traveling with lithium-ion batteries can be a serious concern for any traveler. That’s why it’s so important to know the international guidelines when it comes to taking them on airplanes.
The FAA and DOT don’t allow spare or loose lithium batteries in checked luggage due to the fire hazard they pose. That means if you want to take your electric skateboard, you’ll need to carry it in your carry-on, where flight attendants can keep an eye on them.
The IATA requires that all lithium batteries within luggage must also be carried as a carry-on with the passenger, and you should always call the airline before traveling out of the country to see if you can take your electric skateboard along.
The EASA also has its own regulations regarding lithium batteries – those under 100 watt-hours can go with you on the plane, while those between 100 and 160 watt-hours require approval from the airline, and those above 160 are prohibited from being taken as baggage on flights.
It’s important to keep this information in mind when traveling domestically or internationally with lithium-ion batteries!
Which Airlines Have The Strictest Rules On E-boards?
Different airlines have different rules about taking an e-board with you, and some are stricter than others. While it’s true that most electric skateboards and longboards have batteries that are less than 160Wh, and can be taken on flights for general air travel regulations, there are still some exceptions to this rule.
Some airlines don’t allow electric skateboards or penny boards of any kind, whereas others will let you take them onboard – as long as they are packed separately.
Take a look at which airline has the most rigorous battery policy:
- United Airlines: Battery < 100 Watt hours if it’s a personal item. No more than 2 loose lithium-ion batteries per person, totaling no more than 160 Watts. Allowed in checked bags. For loose lithium batteries in carry-on bags, you must individually protect each one to prevent short-circuiting. To do this, you can place each battery in original retail packaging, separate plastic bags, or protective pouches
- American Airlines: Battery < 100 Wh – Unlimited quantity in a carry-on bag. 100 – 160 Wh – 2 spares in carry-on bag – 160 – 300 Wh – Contact Special Assistance
- Southwest Airlines: Must be transported if power bank only. Contact Southwest in advance to double check.
- Delta: Electric skateboards are not allowed at all on Delta aircraft
- Frontier: Batteries must not be separated from the product. 2 lithium batteries are allowed per person in zip lock bags and must be 8 grams or less each.
- Virgin: 100-100Wh batteries allowed on carry on and checked bags for all portable electronic devices.
- Allegiant: Electric skateboards are not allowed at all on Allegiant aircraft.
- Alaska Air: Electric skateboards are not allowed at all on Alaska Air aircraft
How Do You Pack an Electric Skateboard on a Plane?
Taking an electric skateboard on a plane can be tricky, but with the right preparation, it’s completely possible. Before planning to bring your e-board, make sure that the airline company you’re traveling with allows it – every airline has different rules, so you’ll have to double-check.
Once you’ve been given the go-ahead, it’s time to pack up! Instead of attempting to bring your skateboard with you in one piece, take it apart and store all of the parts in a skateboard backpack or any other type of bag that’ll fit everything comfortably.
The size of the lithium battery is key when deciding if your board is allowed on board. Make sure that the watt-hours are 160 or less – usually, this information is mentioned on the label of newer batteries. If not, you can calculate this by multiplying voltage by amp-hours which should also be included in your battery’s label.
Also, remember to take along proof that shows that your travel company has given permission for taking your electric skateboard – usually this will come through in an email response from them. It may also be necessary for you to detach and carry batteries separately and/or seal them using tape or a special case/bag.
All these steps need to be taken before packing – follow them carefully and your electric skateboard should make its way there with no problem!
How to Travel With an Electric Skateboard
Traveling with an electric skateboard doesn’t have to be complicated. First, I suggest informing the airline of your plans to bring an electric skateboard before you travel. The airline will appreciate knowing in advance about this, as some planes may not be able to accommodate a larger size board.
If you’re choosing to take your board on board the plane, make sure it fits under the seat and/or that it fits comfortably into your carry-on bag. Keep the wheel facing up (to save the most space) and remove the battery pack if packing into luggage for check-in. When storing batteries in hand luggage, make sure to pack them securely so there is no risk of them being crushed or destroyed.
In case you’re unsure if your board is too big or not, consider checking it in with your luggage – but only after removing the battery pack first! Most airlines will not allow lithium batteries to stay in checked bags due to potential combustion risks.
FAQs
When traveling, Lithium batteries should be handled with great care as they are fire hazards that can overheat and cause thermal runaway. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the number of batteries carried when flying, either in carry-on or checked luggage.
The most common type of battery powering electric skateboards today is the Lithium-ion battery, offering impressive performance, increased watt hour, and minimal voltage sag. Additionally, some models use other forms of lithium batteries like Li-Po (Lithium Polymer) or LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate).
Airline and TSA officials dictate that OneWheel XR, GT, and Pint X are ineligible for flights due to their use of large Lithium Iron-Phosphate batteries (over 100Wh). In contrast, the original OneWheel Pint Plus with its lesser (under 100Wh) Lithium Iron-Phosphate battery is allowed on planes.
Regrettably, electric skateboards are not permitted to be brought aboard flights on United Airlines as well as a variety of other airlines including Southwest, JetBlue, Japan Air France, and British Airways. Only non-electric skateboards are permitted on an airplane since most e-skateboards utilize lithium-ion batteries that present large fire risks in aircraft.
A number of airlines, such as American, Virgin, and Singapore Airlines, are open to passengers bringing electric skateboards on flights.
Conclusion
Yes, you can bring your electric skateboard with you on the plane as long as it meets the restrictions in place by the airlines. This is great news for avid electric skateboarders who want to take their favorite rides with them no matter where they go.
With that said, make sure to do your research and check with each airline before you board a flight to make sure you are in compliance.
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