Baichen Aviation Guide: New Air Transport Regulations for Lithium Batteries Are Coming—Electric Wheelchair Users, Please Note These Four Key Changes

The latest edition of the *Dangerous Goods Regulations* issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA)—updated in tandem with the *Specifications for the Air Transport of Lithium Batteries* released by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC)—will officially take effect on January 1, 2026. The new regulations introduce several significant revisions regarding the conditions for transporting electric wheelchairs and mobility aids containing lithium batteries, applicable to both passenger cabins and cargo holds. Baichen’s policy research team has identified four key changes that directly impact travelers, helping you prepare in advance to ensure a smooth boarding experience.

Change 1: Wheelchair Battery Capacity Limit Remains Unchanged; Restrictions on Spare Batteries Become Stricter

Both the old and new regulations stipulate that the rated energy of a lithium battery installed in a wheelchair must not exceed 300 Wh. Batteries exceeding 300 Wh require special approval from the carrier and are typically restricted to transport on cargo aircraft only. The new regulations significantly tighten controls on spare batteries: each passenger is permitted to carry a maximum of two spare batteries, provided that the rated energy of each individual battery does not exceed 160 Wh. A newly added clause explicitly mandates that spare batteries must be individually packaged with insulating material (previous regulations only required protection against short circuits); they are strictly prohibited from being checked as luggage and must be carried in the cabin as carry-on baggage. Furthermore, for spare batteries with a rated energy exceeding 100 Wh, passengers are required to submit a written declaration to the airline during the check-in process.

Baichen Reminds Users: Before traveling, please carefully verify the Wh rating displayed on your wheelchair battery label, and use the manufacturer-provided insulating pouch or non-conductive tape to cover and insulate the battery terminals.

Change 2: Wheelchair Check-in Policy Shifts from "Battery Removal Mandatory" to "Battery Retention Preferred"

Under the previous standards, passengers were generally required to remove the battery from their wheelchair before checking it in as luggage, carrying the battery separately as carry-on baggage. Following extensive user feedback, the new regulations have been adjusted to prioritize keeping the battery installed within the wheelchair—provided that the battery terminals are adequately insulated and protected, and that there is no risk of the wheelchair accidentally powering on while stowed in the cargo hold. The removal and separate transport of the battery will only be required if the airline determines that the existing battery protection measures are insufficient.

This adjustment significantly reduces the operational difficulty and safety risks associated with the on-site removal and re-installation of wheelchair batteries. The Baichen "Aviation Edition" wheelchair series comes factory-equipped with "aviation-grade quick-release terminals" and insulating covers for the battery terminals; users require no tools and can complete the insulation protection process within 10 seconds.

Adjustment 3: Airline Approval Timeframe Uniformly Extended to 72 Hours

Previously, requirements regarding the advance notification period for wheelchairs containing lithium batteries varied among airlines (ranging from as little as 24 hours to 48 hours or more). The new regulations mandate a uniform standard: passengers must submit a written application to the airline at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled flight departure. This application must be accompanied by documentation specifying the wheelchair model, battery type, and rated energy (e.g., product manuals, photos of battery labels, etc.). For international flights, it is recommended that passengers also prepare English-language versions of these materials.

Baichen Advises Users:When submitting an application, please clearly specify whether the lithium-ion battery is "non-removable" or "removable." Additionally, proactively request written confirmation from the airline (via SMS or email). Currently, the Baichen official websites (both Chinese and English versions) feature a "One-Click Aviation Pass Generator" function; by simply entering the product serial number, users can download a battery declaration form that complies with IATA standards.

Adjustment 4: Low-Energy Batteries (≤100 Wh) Exempt from Advance Declaration, but Specific Operational Points Still Apply

The new regulations explicitly clarify for the first time: for wheelchairs equipped with lithium batteries having a rated energy of no more than 100 Wh, passengers are *not* required to submit the 72-hour advance declaration—provided that the battery terminals are properly insulated and the wheelchair is powered off and secured. However, passengers must still proactively inform airline staff during the check-in process. If the wheelchair can be folded and stowed directly in the overhead compartment (i.e., its dimensions comply with the airline's carry-on baggage regulations), it may be carried as "cabin baggage" (occupying a seat/space within the cabin) and will not count toward the passenger's free checked baggage allowance.

The Baichen carbon fiber folding wheelchair—including the battery—weighs a mere 15 kg. When folded, its dimensions are 970 × 530 × 270 mm, fully meeting the cabin baggage standards of major airlines such as Air China, China Southern Airlines, Lufthansa, and Delta. Furthermore, it comes standard with a 100 Wh aviation-grade lithium battery, making it one of the most travel-friendly models available following the implementation of these new regulations.

Baichen's Commitment:Making Compliance Procedures Simpler

The fundamental objective behind the introduction of these new regulations is to ensure that processes are more standardized and transparent—not to create additional barriers to travel. Baichen has seamlessly integrated aviation airworthiness design into its entire range of lightweight products, establishing a comprehensive, end-to-end service chain encompassing "real-time regulatory analysis, product compatibility assessment, documentation generation, and airline liaison." If you plan to travel by air with a wheelchair in 2026 or beyond, we invite you to visit the Baichen website to utilize our "Aviation Compliance Self-Check Tool," or to call our 24-hour travel support hotline; we will assist you in completing all necessary declaration preparations through a convenient, one-stop process.

Ensuring peace of mind with every takeoff—this is Baichen's unwavering commitment to its users.

Ningbo Baichen medical Devices Co.,LTD.,

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