Interpretation Response #16-0006 ([Mr. Joseph Tsiyoni])
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name:
Individual Name: Mr. Joseph Tsiyoni
Location State: AZ Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
May 12, 2016
Dr. Joseph Tsiyoni
1415 N. Rose Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
Reference No. 16-0006
Dear Mr. Tsiyoni:
This is a response to your December 17, 2015 letter requesting clarification of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) relating to a lithium ion battery-powered wheelchair or other mobility aid carried by aircraft passengers or crewmembers. Specifically, you ask for clarification on the rules about the size and capacity of the motor and battery allowed on a wheelchair or other battery-powered mobility aid (e.g., a scooter). Your questions are paraphrased and answered as follows:
Q1. Is there a limit to the size or capacity for the motor of a wheelchair or other battery-powered mobility aid?
A1. No. Unless the motor has a hazardous material component that is subject to the HMR, there is not a size or capacity limit for the motor of a wheelchair or other battery-powered mobility aids carried by aircraft passengers or crewmembers under the HMR.
Q2. What is the "size" limit for a lithium ion battery that powers a wheelchair or other mobility aid when it is carried in checked baggage or carry-on baggage, and when carried as a spare?
A2. We preface our response by noting that lithium batteries that are not packed with or contained in equipment such as a wheelchair are not allowed in checked baggage. With respect to your question; in general, the HMR do not limit the size of a lithium ion battery installed in a wheelchair or other mobility aid carried aboard an aircraft as checked baggage. See § 175.10(a)(17).
However, where a wheelchair or mobility aid is designed to allow the removal of the lithium ion battery by the user, the battery must be removed and carried aboard the aircraft in carry-on baggage only. Under this condition, the lithium ion battery may not exceed 300 watt-hours (Wh); and a maximum of one spare lithium ion battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spares each not exceeding 160 Wh each may be carried in carry-on baggage only (see § 175.10(a)(17)(v)).
I hope this answers your inquiry. If you need additional assistance, please contact this Office again.
Sincerely,
Dirk Der Kinderen
Chief, Standards Development Branch
Standards and Rulemaking Division
175.10(a)(17), 175.10(a)(17)(v)
Regulation Sections
| Section | Subject |
|---|---|
| 175.10 | Exceptions for passengers, crewmembers, and air operators |