Yes. United Airlines accepts all types of travel mobility scooters including folding, collapsible ones like the SmartScoot. Weighing only 40 pounds when fully assembled, the SmartScoot mobility scooter breaks down into smaller, lightweight parts.
SmartScoot also meets Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations for travel mobility scooters and lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Its battery is rated at 288 watt-hours, which is below United’s maximum of 300 watt-hours for such batteries.
Airline ground staff will need to check the rating to approve the battery for travel. Not a problem since all Li-ion batteries made after Jan 1, 2009, are required to be marked with a watt-hour rating.
United also requires batteries from collapsible mobility devices be removed, which is very easy to do. To remove the electric scooter’s 5-pound battery, just slide the battery holder latch and disconnect the battery cord. Carefully slide up the battery pack and remove.
You can take the battery with you on the plane but request a gate check tag to leave the SmartScoot mobility scooter at the end of the jetway. It will be waiting for you outside the aircraft doors when you land.
For more information about traveling safely with batteries, visit SafeTravel.dot.gov or the FAA’s website.
If you need special assistance, you can request it when booking on United.com or through the airline’s 24-hour Accessibility Desk at 1-800-228-2744. Also, let airport employees and in-flight crew members know of your special needs during your trip, United says.
You can download the battery compliance certificate here for SmartScoot travel scooters and take it with you on your next flight.
