Battery-powered Wheelchairs & Mobility Aids as Baggage - Spillable Batteries

Spillable, or wet cell, batteries consist of a series of metal plates immersed in an electrolyte. The electrolyte is either a dilute of sulfuric acid or potassium hydroxide, both of which are extremely corrosive. These liquids are stored in plastic casings. However, damage to the casing can cause leakage or may produce a fire by short-circuiting the terminals.

Wheelchairs or other battery-powered mobility aids with spillable batteries are permitted as checked baggage with operator approval as long as it meets the following conditions:

• If the device can be loaded, stowed, secured, and unloaded in an upright position, the battery can remain installed. The operator must ensure that the battery terminals are protected from short circuits, the battery is securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid, and that it is protected from being damaged by moving cargo.
• If the device cannot be loaded, stowed, secured, and unloaded in an upright position, then the battery must be removed, and the wheelchair or mobility aid can be checked as baggage without further restrictions. In order to check the battery, it must be carried in strong, rigid packaging that is leak-tight, secured in the cargo compartment, and protected against short circuits. In addition, the packaging must be marked "BATTERY, WET, WITH WHEELCHAIR" and labeled with a corrosive label and package orientation label.

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