Can You Take Electric Skateboards on a Plane?

Do you like using an electric skateboard when you travel to avoid renting a vehicle or using public transportation? If so, there are rules and regulations on how to take an electric skateboard on a plane. 

Electric skateboards come with lithium-ion batteries. These batteries can be dangerous if you don’t care for them appropriately. Know what to expect if you decide to travel with your electric skateboard.

Airlines vary with their guidelines about whether you can carry an electric skateboard on a plane. In most cases, you can enter an airplane with an electric skateboard, but it must have a smaller battery (100-160 watt-hours) and be a carry-on.

What to Consider Before Boarding the Plane

Electric skateboards are on the hazardous list due to previous problems with hoverboards, but you can still take them on the plane as long as you adhere to airline rules.

Electric hoverboards have led to explosions during flights in the past. Some of the explosions have been on cargo flights, which is why flight regulations are rigid about electric skateboards. Electric skateboards are a risk to the airline. 

You will have to take your lithium batteries in your carry-on, along with your other batteries. Cover the batteries’ contacts with tape or secure them in a sealed package where they won’t touch other batteries or metal objects. There is no limit on how many batteries you can take with you in your carry-on.  

Some airlines may supply batteries for the smaller lithium batteries if you need one. You would have to obtain permission from the airline to take your e-skateboard on the plane when you inquire.

Batteries of 160 watt-hours or greater are illegal and cannot board planes. Many electric skateboards have lithium batteries with larger capacities and are not compatible with flying. 

What Are Lithium Batteries? 

The lithium batteries of the skateboards are an area of concern because they are combustible. All lithium batteries should possess an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification that shows the batteries have been through testing.

Laptops and smart devices primarily use lithium batteries but are smaller and within regulations. The risk of fire from these batteries is minimal. 

Lithium batteries consist of lithium and carbon. Lithium-ion batteries are flammable and can easily overheat, short-circuit, or sustain damage while in flight. They can pose a hazard if they don’t comply with transport guidelines. 

Pros: 

• A positive side to lithium batteries is that they are rechargeable. 
• They can hold a charge longer and are lightweight. 

Cons:

• They are highly combustible and can start fires. 
• Whether or not you use them, they degrade within two to three years of the manufacturing date. 
• They are heat-sensitive, causing them to burn faster. 
• They are more expensive than other batteries. 

Don’t completely drain your battery. Doing so will lessen its life span. 

International Guidelines on Lithium-Ion Batteries on Airplanes 

Because of the fire hazard, there are guidelines to follow regarding lithium-ion batteries. Before you travel, check with the FAA, DOT, IATA, and EASA to determine whether you can take your electric skateboard with you. 

• Because lithium-ion batteries can explode, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) don’t allow spare or loose lithium batteries in checked luggage. They will allow them in carry-ons where flight attendants can monitor them as needed. 
• The International Air Transport Association (IATA) requires that all lithium batteries in luggage be carry-ons with the passenger. I recommend calling the airline before traveling out of the country to see if you can take your electric skateboard along.
• According to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Wh (watt-hours) between 100 and 160 requires approval from the airline. It prohibits batteries greater than 160 watt-hours.

All lithium batteries under 100 watt-hours can go on the airplane with you. You can take lithium batteries for electric wheelchairs or scooters as long as you let the airline know, so they can take special precautions to prevent them from combusting. 

How to Take an Electric Skateboard on a Plane

Before you travel, call the airline to determine what the guidelines are about electric skateboards. I recommend you print out any confirmations you receive from the airline if you have to show proof before boarding the plane. Carry with you a copy of your destinations’ travel guidelines as a reference.

If your electric skateboard has a smaller capacity battery, chances are you will be able to board a plane with it as a carry-on. 

Before you board the plane, security will probably make you remove the battery from the electric skateboard if you choose to take the board on the plane. The battery will need to be separate from the electric skateboard. When you go through security, the battery should be in a bin by itself.

Which E-Skateboards Can You Bring on a Flight? 

The list below contains electric skateboards with less than 160 watt-hours that can travel on a plane. Some of these boards come with batteries for travel.

• The Apsuboard V3 has 144 watt-hours. It does not contain an extra battery.
• The AeBoard AX has 158 watt-hours. It does not contain an extra battery.
• The Boosted Mini S Boosted Plus has 99 watt-hours. It contains an extra battery. 
• The Boosted Plus has less than 160 watt-hours. It contains an extra battery.
• The Boosted Stealth has less than 160 watt-hours. It contains an extra battery. 
• The Evolve GTR has less than 160 watt-hours. It contains an extra battery. 
• The Hoyt St El1 has 3 x 90 watt-hours. It contains an extra battery.
• The Meepo Mini has a tiny battery. 
• The Meepo V3 has a tiny battery.
• The Meepo Boards have 144-288 watt-hours. They contain an extra battery.
• The Mellow Drives has 99 watt-hours. It contains an extra battery. 
• OneWheel Pint requires permission from the airline because the battery exceeds 100 watt-hours. 
• The Riptide R1 has 99-199 watt-hours. It does not contain an extra battery.
• The Revel Kit has 144-216 watt-hours. It does not contain an extra battery.
• The Verreal Mini has 144 watt-hours. It does not contain an extra battery.
• The Unlimited X Loaded Kits have 99 watt-hours. They contain an extra battery. 

How to Travel With an Electric Skateboard

I advise you to inform the airline before traveling with your electric skateboard. You can travel with your skateboard, but the airline prefers to know about it. 

If you choose to take your electric skateboard on the plane with you, it should fit under the seat. If not, store it in your carry-on bag with the wheels facing up to save room in the overhead bin. Make sure the lithium battery is separate from the board. Pack your batteries tightly so nothing crushes or destroys them while they are in your carry-on bag.

If you are unsure whether your board is too big, you may consider checking in your electric skateboard with your luggage, as long as you remove the battery first. Most airlines will not allow your battery pack to remain in the luggage you check due to the risk of combustion. 

Conclusion

Despite all of the challenges you will face getting your electric skateboard on your flight, it may be worth the trouble. Taking your electric skateboard will save you money by not renting a car or taking public transportation. 

Just remember the potential danger of using lithium batteries. Follow all rules about taking care of them. Never keep them near any flammable substances or chemicals. 

Enjoy your trip, and stay safe!