Can you fly with e-bike batteries?

Learn if you may fly with your e-bike batteries to enable you to continue to enjoy your rides upon arrival at your new destination.

As a cycling enthusiast, you certainly enjoy some biking now and then. However, the thoughts of leaving behind your rituals upon boarding your next flight can be mind-numbing, right?

So, the big question here is: Can you fly with e-bike batteries to continue with your sojourns once you touch down??

Or simply put: Can you waltz into a plane with your e-bike battery in your hand luggage? Or check it in as a piece of hold luggage without raising an eyebrow?

Well, several things come into play when considering flying with your e-bike batteries.

In this post, you'll learn about:?

1. You might change your mind about boarding a plane with e-bike batteries. And what the FAA is doing to ensure safer travels
2. Airline regulations for flying with an e-bike battery
3. Who should you go to for answers regarding flying with e-bike batteries
4. The 3-1-1 rule and how it applies to flying with e-bike batteries

Let's dive right in.?

Statistics regarding e-bike battery incidents in the aviation industry and FAA regulations

First off, a new report from FAA estimates that there have been 350 air/airport mishaps involving lithium batteries carried as baggage or cargo since January 23-2006.?

In other news, an airline inquires into exploding Li-ion batteries after four transport incidents in Toronto and Ottawa, Canada, in 2012.

What do these statistics tell us?

Your guess is as good as mine; the information tells us that e-bike batteries are pretty dangerous items around planes and airports if it's anything to go by.

The FAA has laid down regulations regarding e-bike batteries in transit to minimize such occurrences.?

By following them, you can save time while boarding the plane—by cutting off any unnecessary chit-chats or struggles between you and the TSA officials. Or help you avoid hefty penalties if things go south because of your negligence.?

And more importantly, betters your safety, as well as that of other passengers.?

Airline regulations

Similarly, your chosen airline's policy on transporting large lithium batteries can make or break your travel plans.

Luckily, there are ways around this. For starters, some airlines allow up to two small (less than 100 watt-hours) lithium-ion batteries per passenger in carry-on baggage. This means that you can bring in smaller e-bike battery packs having less than 100 watt-hours.?

An excellent example of such is the 36V 2.7 Ah LiGo battery modules. Of which you can carry up between four and five packs. And then assemble them either in a parallel or series connection to provide the needed power on arrival.?

Conversely, if you're visiting a friend, and it's a long trip, you can consider shipping your battery ahead of time. Here, you'll need to contact an authorized shipper for your battery. Particularly, an UN-certified one to ensure your battery is legally shipped.

However, be aware that regulations vary by airline. Notably, most airlines will have restrictions on batteries in your luggage or cargo hold. In the same vein, others will require your battery to be in an approved flammability packaging. Besides, require you to check the battery as a separate item from your e-bike.?

Therefore, as a rule of thumb, check your airline of choice for their specific requirements and regulations for flying with batteries.

Whom should you consult about flying with your e-bike batteries?

In general, you can take an e-bike battery with you in your carry-on luggage.?

Nevertheless, it is recommended that you let your air carrier know you are bringing this unusual piece of baggage on board.?

You may ask why?

Well, the thing is:

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and other government agencies have in the past confiscated lithium battery-powered devices as they are considered hazardous materials that can easily catch fire or cause explosions during flights.?

For that reason, TSA agents might seize your e-bike battery if they discover you weren't honest about the items in your bag under the suspicion of it being an incendiary device.?

So, while bringing your e-bike, battery on board is allowed—if it is equal to or less than 100 watt-hours, though.?

It is still best to:

• Consult with your airline concerning whether they would allow you to fly with your e-bike battery. And provide all your battery's important specs—for instance, its voltage, amps, weight, model, etc.??
• Inform the agent handling the x-ray machine if you have any lithium batteries inside so that they do not confiscate them from you as possible dangerous material.

The 3-1-1 rule as it applies to flying with an e-bike battery

Last but not least, it's important to follow the 3-1-1 rule when flying with your e-bike batteries (or any lithium-ion battery).?

In this context, the 3-1-1 stands for:

• 3 ounces or less in your
• 1 battery per person
• 1 battery per device.

This rule helps TSA check your batteries for compliance and ensure they don't pose any danger on the flight.

Why?

Lithium-ion batteries are typically sensitive to extreme heat and cold and can catch fire if they get too hot or cold. On that account, a good measure is to keep them together in the same bag and in a manner that allows them to stay at an even temperature—if you're traveling with over one battery (say, for a longer trip).

Doing so will reduce the risk of overheating, ensuring that everyone gets where they need to go safely!

Final thoughts

Currently, it isn't possible to fly with an e-bike battery pack with more than 100watt-hours. Even so, most airlines will accept bikes as checked baggage. And may also have rules about the type of batteries you're allowed to carry onboard on a brighter note.?

So it's important to contact your chosen airline before traveling. You might get lucky with your e-bike battery. As an example, you may be allowed to carry it with you on the plane if it's in your carry-on if it satisfies the required conditions. And boy, get to enjoy your pre-planned adventures upon arrival.