Onewheels are a great way to get around and explore different terrains in an exciting way. Although, if you’re the type of rider who likes to travel around and want to make sure you can use your Onewheel in different places, then it’s important to ask yourself if you can take a Onewheel on an airplane.
To make sure you can fly as you please with your trusty Onewheel, we’ve outlined what you need to know so you don’t have to leave your ride at home.
Battery Requirements
As anyone who has been on a plane before there is a laundry list of requirements and restrictions. One, in particular, is regarding battery wattage and as the Onewheel has a battery, this can prevent you from taking one on a plane. The battery wattage for each Onewheel model are:
- Onewheel Pint has a 147 Wh
- Onewheel Pint X has a 324 Wh
- Onewheel GT has a 527 Wh
The current airline and FAA regulations prohibit any battery above 160 watts hours from being checked or carried on a plane. This means if you have either a Pint X or Pint GT, you’ll need to have it ground-shipped to where you’re going. This may come surprising, but it’s an important rule that affects more than your Onewheel; for example, not even mobility devices above 300Wh are allowed on a plane. You likely noticed the number discrepancy, but not all batteries are measured the same way by the FAA. Other factors such as type of battery, whether it’s installed or a spare, and the size of the battery
Dealing with the TSA
The catch is that the TSA and the airlines you’re using get the final say over whether or not you can take a Onewheel on their plane. If the TSA agent asks you about your Onewheel, it’s important to remain respectful and give the information requested. Many Onewheel riders will print the information to show the agent so they’re not flipping around their Onewheel looking for the battery information.
If the TSA agent wants to see the wattage on your battery to ensure it’s within the limits, flip it over when asked and show them the watt-hour (Wh) on the rail of your board. Just make sure the floatplates aren’t on as it’ll cover the rails where the Onewheel battery certification information is posted.
Another tip with the batter is to make sure that it’s below 30% and to deflate your wheel before flying, giving it more space and making it easier for security. The more you can do to quicken the check, the better for everyone. After all, don’t you just hate that person who holds up the line for no reason?
Beyond the TSA check, There is still a risk of not being allowed to take your Onewheel on certain airlines. Delta, Southwest, United, Jet Blue, and other airlines specifically state “self-balancing boards” on their Restricted Items list. A way around this is to do like in the subsection below to disable the board and carry on the battery while the motor, rails, and controller are in the checked-in luggage.
What Onewheels Can You Carry on a Plane?
Essentially, the only Onewheel you can carry onto a plane is the Onewheel Pint. The other models need to be ground-shipped to your destination and even then the airline may choose to not let you. You could always rent a Onewheel at your destination point, we at SUPRents have that option here and then you don’t need to worry about battery restrictions, TSA agents, shipping costs, or deflating tires.
Aircraft restrictions and FAA requirements can be a pain, but flight safety is more important than anything. So, do what you have to in order to ride your Onewheel wherever you can, but do it safely and enjoy your trip!
