How to Travel Abroad with Your Portable Scooter

Understanding Airline Policies for Portable Scooters

While many people travel with scooters in RVs or cars, you might be here for the big question: Can electric scooters be taken on planes?

Unfortunately, in most cases, the answer is no. Every airline has its own policy, but the majority follow strict lithium-ion battery regulations. Most airlines cap lithium-ion batteries at 160 watt-hours (Wh)—far below the capacity of nearly all electric scooter batteries.

Because of this, it’s essential to review airline rules before planning your trip. Below are some helpful links and summaries to get you started.

Here’s some useful links you may want to take a look at: 

1. Can I bring my electric scooter on a Delta Air Lines flight?

Delta Air Lines currently has some of the most restrictive policies: no riding equipment with lithium or lithium-ion batteries is permitted on board.

"Hoverboards, balance gliders, self-balancing boards or motorized riding suitcases that use lithium or lithium-ion batteries"
Restricted items on Delta Air Lines flights.

2. Can I bring my electric scooter on a United Airlines flight?

United Airlines prohibits all recreational rideables from being checked in or carried on.

"To keep our customers and employees safe, we don't accept any recreational self-propelled vehicles or devices designed to carry one or more persons or goods."
Restricted items on United Airlines flights.

Restricted items on United Airlines flights.

3. Can I bring my electric scooter on a Southwest Airlines flight as a carry-on?

You might've guessed it already. Southwest Airlines also doesn't accept e-scooter or any other electrically-powered rideable, including "smart bags" or other devices with lithium or lithium-ion batteries. Visit their website for more in-depth information about what you can take.

Restricted items on Southwest Airlines flights.

Canadian Airlines:

1. Can I bring my electric scooter on an Air Canada flight?

Air Canada follows international safety rules and does not accept small lithium battery-powered vehicles, including e-scooters, hoverboards, and gliders, unless they qualify as medical mobility aids.
For more information, visit the Air Canada website.

Restricted items on Air Canada flights.

2. Can I bring my electric scooter on a WestJet flight?

WestJet also prohibits electric scooters and other lithium or lithium-ion powered rideables.
Medical mobility devices are assessed based on their watt-hour rating, and many are permitted—but you must contact WestJet in advance.

Restricted items on WestJet 

3. Can I bring my electric scooter on a Porter Airlines flight?

Porter Airlines does not allow lithium-ion batteries exceeding 160Wh in checked or carry-on baggage. This includes most electric scooters and similar rideables.

Refer to Porter Airlines' baggage restrictions or reach out to their customer service team for additional details.

Restricted items on Porter Airlines flights.

Airline Battery Restrictions: What You Need to Know

This is where most travelers get confused. Lithium-ion batteries are regulated because they can pose fire risks if they exceed certain watt-hour thresholds.

Typical rules (varies by airline):

• Under 100Wh: Usually allowed in carry-on

• 100–160Wh: Requires airline approval

• Over 160Wh: Often not allowed

Keyword tie-in: This is a major part of scooter battery rules, so double-check before arriving at the airport.

How to Pack and Protect Your Portable Scooter

Electric scooters—even the more affordable ones—are still meaningful investments. And let’s be honest: once you’ve spent hours riding, commuting, and adventuring on yours, you get attached. The last thing you want is for it to get scratched, dented, or damaged simply because it wasn’t packed properly.

Must-Know Scooter Travel Tips for Packing

1. Remove all detachable accessories

Start by taking off anything that isn’t fully secured to the scooter—phone holders, mirrors, cup holders, baskets, etc. This makes packing easier and prevents parts from snapping off during transport.

2. Fold and secure your scooter tightly

Make sure the scooter is fully folded and locked in place.

• Use the locking pin to keep it from unfolding.

• Add Velcro straps (or similar fasteners) around the stem and handlebars to ensure zero movement.
  No wiggles = no damage.

3. Protect sensitive components

Wrap your deck, handlebars, display, lights, and any exposed edges in bubble wrap or protective padding. As a rule of thumb: If it can scratch or bend, protect it. If you care about how it looks, wrap it.

4. Use a proper case or box

If you’ll be traveling frequently, investing in a dedicated scooter travel bag is worth it—you’ll reuse it often and it offers the best protection.

If you don’t have one available (or can’t find one that fits), a sturdy scooter box (this is why we always recommend that you keep the box your scooter was shipped in) works just fine. Just make sure the scooter fits snugly with padding around it.

5. Label everything clearly

Mark the box with your name, contact info, and “THIS SIDE UP” indicators. This prevents mix-ups and reduces the risk of the box being handled incorrectly.

Traveling with a Scooter Abroad: What to Expect

Although we’ve already established that most airlines don’t allow electric scooters, let’s imagine you’ve found a rare airline that does—or maybe you’re flying private (wink). What happens once you land? Every country has its own regulations regarding electric scooters, so it’s important to look into the specific rules of the region you’ll be traveling with your scooter. This includes where you’re allowed to ride, speed limits, helmet requirements, and whether scooters need to be registered.

International Regulations for Electric Scooters

Electric scooter rules vary widely from country to country. Depending on where you're traveling, you may encounter differences in:

• Speed limits (typically between 15–25 km/h)

• Whether scooters are allowed on roads, bike lanes, or shared paths

• Helmet requirements

• Minimum rider age

• Limits on motor power or maximum wattage

Before you travel, take a moment to look up your destination’s mobility regulations so you can ride safely and stay compliant. And if you know someone who lives there, even better—ask them directly for the most up-to-date and practical insights!

Best Practices for Maintaining Your Portable Scooter While Traveling

If you’ve been riding electric scooters for a while, this won’t be a surprise for you - essentially do the same TLC you would normally do, considering any different temperatures. Keep it in top shape by:

• Charging it regularly (avoid dropping below 20%)

• Storing it indoors to prevent weather damage

• Checking the brakes and tire pressure regularly (at least once a week), and ideally every time before riding. 

• Bringing a small toolkit and spare inner tube (if applicable)

• Cleaning dust and debris after rides

These steps help ensure your portable scooter remains reliable through your entire trip.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Ride—Anywhere in the World

Traveling internationally with a portable scooter can be very enjoyable, but you’ll need to do a bit of research before giving it a try. With the right preparation—understanding airline scooter policies, following scooter battery rules, packing carefully, and learning local regulations, you’ll be ready to explore new countries effortlessly.

Your scooter opens doors to spontaneous adventures, cost-effective transportation, and unforgettable experiences. Pack smart, plan ahead, and enjoy the ride anywhere in the world.