Short Answer – Yes!
However there are several airline and regulatory authority policies to consider, so let’s sort this out.
The US authorities allow Lithium Batteries (both lithium ion and lithium metal) up to a maximum of 160W in carry-on baggage only. No batteries are to be checked in.
Information from Federal agencies
FAA
FAA. Lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only
If lithium batteries are installed inside checked in equipment, they must be removed and taken onboard as carry-on. In fact, your electric skateboard will generally have to be checked in with the batteries removed. The skateboard being too large for carry on and the lithium battery having to be taken onboard as carry on. Although shorter boards may be allowed to be stored in the overhead compartment if they are do not exceed the carry on luggage size and weight limits
See this link and here also for further details from the FAA.
TSA
TSA. Lithium batteries with more than 100 watt hours may be allowed in carry-on bags with airline approval. One spare battery, not exceeding 300 watt hours, or two spare batteries, not exceeding 160 watt hours each, are permitted in carry-on bags. For more information, see the FAA regulations on batteries
Once you get past this hurdle you then need to review what the airline’s policies are.
Some (most) airlines do not allow Electric Skateboards to be carried on flights, these include
- Air Canada
- American Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- British Airways
- JetBlue Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
- JAL (Japan Airlines)
- Qantas
- Ryanair
- United Airlines
Note: this list is not exhaustive and may change from time to time. The bottom line is to check with the airline
Also if traveling to a different country check with their FAA equivalent to see if there are any restrictions on bringing lithium batteries into the country and also when you leave the country
We did find a couple of Airlines (Virgin and Singapore) that are OK in traveling with eScooters, once again we suggest that you check when you book to be sure that this is still the case, and what specific requirements they may have, eg remove the battery, check in the board and include the battery in carry-on luggage
All information on carrying lithium batteries on an airplane restricts them to less than 160Wh (Watt hours).
To calculate your batteries watt hours
Battery Voltage (v) x Amp Hours (Ah) = Watt Hours (Wh)
Example 36v x 4.0Ah = 144 Wh
Or if expressed in Milliamp Hours
Battery Voltage (v) x (Milliamp Hours (mAh) / 1000) = Watt Hours (Wh)
Example 36v x (4000mAh / 1000) = 144 Wh
Here are a selection of Electric Skateboards under 160Wh, from standard length to longboards that are all under the 160Wh upper limit
Swagtron NG-3 Swagskate Electric Skateboard
Designed for Kids & Teens with Kick-Assist, A.I. Smart Sensors, Move-More/Endless Mode, 9” Deck, Black, 72mm Wheels
Electric Longboard with Remote Control
450W Hub-Motor,18.6 MPH Top Speed,7.6 Miles Range,3 Speeds
Blitzart 38″ Hurricane Electric Longboard Skateboard
Maple Wood + Bamboo Deck. The 7-ply maple wood deck sandwiched between 2 layers of bamboo giving it greater flexibility and sturdiness.
WOOKRAYS Electric Skateboard with Wireless Remote Control
7 Layers Maple eSkateboard, 3 Speeds suitable for Adults, Teens and Kids
