Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids are essential for many travellers — and they also introduce specific transport risks when carried by air. IATA’s 2026 guidance (aligned to ICAO TI 2025–2026 and the 67th Edition of the IATA DGR) focuses on one key point: these devices can be carried safely when the right checks, preparation steps, and handling controls are in place.
This article pulls out the practical takeaways for airline teams, ground handlers, and anyone supporting passenger mobility journeys — without needing to wade through the full guidance document. You can download the complete IATA document here.
The batteries that power wheelchairs and mobility aids are considered dangerous goods in air transport. The main operational risk isn’t that these items are inherently unsafe — it’s that inadvertent activation (or damaged battery systems/terminals) can create friction, electrical load, short circuit, or heat build-up that could lead to a fire.
The guidance is clear: when devices are prepared and handled in accordance with the DGR, they are unlikely to pose a hazard — but consistency depends on trained people, clear procedures, and good coordination with the passenger.
IATA reinforces that operator approval is required for carriage of battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids.
For smooth operation (and to avoid delays during loading), the guidance strongly recommends that approval is sought in advance, whether by the passenger, a travel agent/tour operator, or a third-party booking platform. Many operators use specialist assistance teams for this.
Advance information enables the operator to:
confirm battery type and restrictions,
plan loading/securement and any additional mitigations,
and ensure the pilot-in-command (PIC) receives the required notification on location and configuration.
Appendix A in the guidance gives a very practical minimum dataset. In summary, teams should capture:
manufacturer + model
battery presence and battery type
for lithium: confirmation of UN 38.3 compliance
total weight and overall dimensions (as presented for travel)
removable/adjustable parts (joystick, headrest, cushion etc.)
whether batteries must be removed for transport
how to isolate power / disconnect circuits
how to engage/disengage freewheel mode
This isn’t admin for the sake of it — it’s what allows safe planning and reduces last-minute handling risks.
The DGR approach is structured around battery type. Mobility aids fall into three main categories, each with their own requirements:
This category is simpler operationally — but still requires controls:
Non-spillable wet batteries must meet Special Provision A67 (vibration and pressure differential tests).
Nickel-metal hydride must meet A199.
Dry batteries must meet A123.
If batteries are removed (or spares are carried), they must be:
protected against short circuit,
in strong, rigid packaging, and
carried in the cargo compartment (per the guidance text for this category).
This is the most handling-sensitive type because of corrosive electrolyte risk.
Key rules:
the mobility aid must be loaded, stowed, secured, and unloaded upright at all times.
if the device can’t remain upright (or doesn’t adequately protect the battery), the battery must be removed and carried in leak-tight, corrosion-resistant packaging, with absorbent material, upright securement, and required marks/labels (including Corrosive and Orientation).
Lithium-powered mobility aids require:
batteries that meet UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, 38.3 (UN 38.3).
Batteries may remain installed if:
they are protected against damage by design, and
securely attached / circuits isolated following manufacturer instructions.
A key 2026 emphasis is operational mitigation when battery energy is large:
if installed batteries exceed 300 Wh in total, the operator should consider additional safety measures, which may include fire-resistant containers or covers, or requiring reduced indicated battery charge (for example, ≤ 25%), depending on operator risk assessment.
Where batteries are removed:
removed batteries for transport must not exceed a total of 300 Wh.
spare batteries are permitted up to 300 Wh per mobility aid.
removed and spare lithium batteries must be protected (e.g., protective pouch) and carried in the passenger cabin.
Every battery type shares two absolute fundamentals:
Prevent unintentional activation
Protect terminals against short circuits
The guidance gives a helpful verification step after preparation:
place the device into drive mode (not freewheel) and confirm it cannot power up/move via joystick input.
don’t forget supplemental powered systems such as seating/tilt — isolate those circuits too.
If a device can’t be made safe for carriage, it must not be loaded.
IATA is explicit that mobility aids must be:
secured against movement using straps/tie-downs/restraints,
protected from damage (including from surrounding baggage/cargo),
and not stowed with loose loaded (bulk) items in a ULD or netted section.
Where possible, keep devices upright. The guidance notes that large complex devices are typically designed and tested for upright use only, and turning them on their side increases the likelihood of damage — and complicates safe securement.
It also recommends:
loading last when possible,
disengaging freewheel mode appropriately,
disconnecting/isolation,
avoiding overtight tie-downs,
carrying removable fragile parts in the cabin where practical.
Finally, the pilot-in-command must be informed of:
the location of mobility aids with installed batteries,
the location of removed batteries,
and the location of spare batteries (cargo compartment, or cabin for lithium).
This ensures the crew can respond effectively if an incident occurs.
To support your internal review and operational planning, we have created a practical one-page compliance checklist summarising the key requirements introduced in the 2026 IATA update. This resource is designed for use by shippers, freight forwarders and compliance teams as a quick-reference tool alongside the Regulations.
You can download the PDF checklist here. We recommend sharing it with relevant personnel and incorporating it into your 2026 readiness review.
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