28
10 TRAVELLING BY AIR WITH YOUR COUGAR-VIPER
Currently Li-ion battery packs with a capacity exceeding 300Wh are classified as Hazardous Material,
Hazmat Class 9 and will not be allowed on aircraft. Our 11.5Ah 414Ah battery packs do exceed this limit,
however 8Ah 288Wh battery packs are available to purchase from us if you intend to fly with your Cougar
or Viper.
When planning your trip abroad the first thing to do at the earliest opportunity is to contact the airlines
Special Assistance team and explain that you will be travelling with an electric powered wheelchair
attachment that uses Lithium ion batteries. You will be asked some technical questions regarding the
Cougar or Viper, we have answered these for you below and on page two.
Our batteries comply with all dangerous / hazardous goods regulations and meet the requirements of each
test in the UN Manual of Test and Criteria. We can provide you with an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
showing that the battery has passed all necessary tests and is safe to be taken on board aircraft.
The Cougar and Viper can fall into both of the next categories and it will be at the airlines staff discretion
how it is handled.
Wheelchair or mobility aid with a lithium battery
This category is if the airline asks for the battery to remain locked to the cycle.
•
The batteries must be of a type that meets the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of
Tests and Criteria, Part III subsection 38.3.
Yes, the MSDS we can provide has this
information.
•
The battery terminals are protected from short circuit e.g. by being enclosed within a battery
carrier.
Yes the battery is in the lockable cassette.
•
Electrical circuits have been isolated and there is no chance of unintentional operation (i.e. all
motors must be rendered inoperative). If this is not possible and as an absolute last step, the
battery cables must be disconnected and the battery terminals must be insulated to prevent short
circuits.
Yes the battery terminals can be isolated and as an additional precaution we
supply a blanking plug.
Where a battery powered wheelchair or mobility aid is specifically designed to allow its
battery to be removed by the user (e.g. collapsible).
•
This category is if the airline asks for the battery to be removed from the device and kept by the
user.
•
The battery must be removed. The device may then be carried as checked baggage without
restriction. The battery must be protected from short circuit by insulating the terminals (e.g. by
taping over exposed terminals.
•
The battery must be protected from damage (by placing the battery in a protective pouch). The
battery must be carried in the passenger cabin.
•
Removal of the battery from the device should be performed by following the instructions of the
manufacturer or device owner.
•
The battery must not exceed 300Wh.
•
A maximum of one spare battery not exceeding 300Wh may be carried. The batteries must be
carried in the passenger cabin.
The pilot in command must be informed of the location of the mobility aid with an installed
battery or the location of the lithium battery when removed and carried in the cabin.
Spare Batteries
If you want to take a spare battery you must inform the Special Assistance team at the time of booking.
