Can You Bring an Electric Skateboard on a Plane?

The Short Answer: Probably Not

Electric skateboards are banned by most airlines. The reason is the same as hoverboards — large lithium-ion batteries that pose a fire risk. Most electric skateboard batteries range from 150 to 600+ watt-hours, which far exceeds the FAA's 100 Wh limit for carry-on (160 Wh with airline approval).

This isn't a TSA issue — TSA will likely let you through the checkpoint. It's the airlines that say no.

Understanding the Battery Rules

The FAA sets the rules that airlines follow for lithium batteries on aircraft:

• Under 100 Wh — Allowed in carry-on and checked bags without restrictions
• 100-160 Wh — Allowed in carry-on only, with airline approval
• Over 160 Wh — Not allowed on passenger aircraft at all — carry-on or checked

Where Electric Skateboards Fall

Here's the problem: most electric skateboards have batteries well over 160 Wh.

• Budget boards — Around 100-200 Wh
• Mid-range boards — 200-400 Wh
• Premium/long-range boards — 400-700+ Wh

Even the smallest budget electric skateboards are right at the edge of what's allowed. And airlines aren't just looking at battery size — many have categorically banned electric skateboards as a device type, similar to hoverboards.

Airline Policies on Electric Skateboards

Here's where the major U.S. airlines stand:

• United Airlines — Bans electric skateboards entirely (carry-on and checked)
• American Airlines — Prohibits devices with lithium batteries that can't be removed, and restricts those over 160 Wh
• Delta Air Lines — Bans hoverboards and similar lithium battery-powered transportation devices
• Southwest Airlines — Prohibits hoverboards and self-balancing devices; electric skateboards fall in a gray area
• JetBlue — Bans hoverboards and similar devices

The bottom line: even if your board's battery falls under 100 Wh, you should contact your airline before showing up at the airport. Don't assume it'll be allowed.

Can You Remove the Battery and Fly with It?

This is the most common workaround people try, and sometimes it works — with caveats.

If the Battery Is Removable

• The deck without the battery — This is just a skateboard at that point. Regular (non-electric) skateboards are allowed on most airlines.
• The battery alone — If it's under 100 Wh, you can carry it on (not check it). Between 100-160 Wh, you need airline approval. Over 160 Wh, it can't fly on a passenger plane.

If the Battery Is Built-In

If you can't remove the battery, you can't separate the board from the battery problem. The device as a whole is subject to the battery restrictions, and you're stuck.

Some electric skateboard brands like Linky Innovation and Meepo offer boards with removable, flight-friendly batteries specifically for travelers. If you travel often and want to bring a board, look for these features when buying.

How to Get Your Electric Skateboard to Your Destination

Ground Shipping

This is the most reliable method:

• UPS or FedEx Ground — Both accept electric skateboards via ground shipping
• Discharge the battery to 30% or less before shipping
• Declare it as containing a lithium battery on the shipping form
• Cost — Typically $40-100+ depending on size and distance
• Timeline — 3-7 business days for ground

Rent at Your Destination

Many cities and tourist areas now have electric skateboard rental services. This eliminates the shipping hassle entirely. Check local rental shops or apps before you fly.

Buy a Travel-Friendly Board

If you fly regularly and want to ride at your destination, consider investing in a board specifically designed for air travel:

• Removable battery under 100 Wh — Key feature for flying
• Compact deck — Some boards fold or have shorter decks for easier transport
• Range trade-off — A flight-legal battery means less range (usually 5-8 miles vs. 20+ miles), but it gets you on the plane

Regular Skateboards Are Fine

Just to be clear: regular, non-electric skateboards are allowed on planes. TSA has no issue with them, and most airlines permit them in carry-on or as a checked item (sometimes counted as a standard piece of luggage, sometimes as a sports item with a fee).

The problem is exclusively with the electric motor and battery system. No battery, no problem.

International Considerations

International airlines generally follow the same battery restrictions set by IATA (the International Air Transport Association). The 100 Wh / 160 Wh limits are global standards. Some international carriers are even stricter than U.S. airlines about battery-powered personal transportation devices.

If you're flying internationally, assume your electric skateboard isn't welcome unless you've confirmed directly with the airline and the battery is well under 100 Wh.

What Happens If You Show Up with One?

If you arrive at the airport with an electric skateboard that doesn't meet the battery requirements:

• You'll be told to leave it behind
• You won't be able to check it either
• Your options are: have someone pick it up, find a nearby shipping service, or leave it at the airport

Contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight. Have your board's battery specifications ready (watt-hours, not just voltage or amp-hours). This saves you from an unpleasant surprise at check-in.