Expeditions Safety Policy for the Transport of Batteries and Battery Powered Equipment
E-bikes, E-skateboards, E-water devices, One-wheels, E-scooters, E-powered luggage and the batteries for all these devices are STRICTLY PROHIBITED, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Electric wheelchairs and other modes of ambulatory devices for disabled passengers are exempt from these regulations provided that their batteries are in strong outer packaging and installed in the equipment.
All batteries transported must be protected from damage and short circuit. Battery-powered devices must be protected from accidental activation and heat generation.
Damaged or recalled batteries of all types, including when in a device, are STRICTLY PROHIBITED. All transported batteries and battery powered devices MUST be protected from short circuit.
What does “protected from short circuit” mean? When metal objects such as keys, coins, tools or other batteries come in contact with both terminals of a battery it can create a “circuit” or path for electricity to flow through. Electrical current flowing through this unprotected short circuit can cause extreme heat and sparks and even start a fire. To prevent short circuits, keep spare batteries in their original packaging, a battery case, or a separate pouch or pocket. Make sure loose batteries can’t move around. Placing tape over the terminals of unpackaged batteries also helps to insulate them from short circuit.
ALL LITHIUM ION, LITHIUM METAL, NICKEL METAL HYDRIDE and NICKEL CADMIUM batteries and devices rated at over 24 volts, or 100-watt hours are STRICTLY PROHIBITED, NO EXCEPTIONS.
How do I determine the watt hours (Wh) rating of a battery? To determine watt hours (Wh), multiply the volts (V) by the ampere hours (Ah). Example: A 12-volt battery rated to 8 Amp hours is rated at 96-watt hours (12 x 8 = 96). For milliamp hours (mAh), divide by 1000 (to get to Ah) and then multiply by volts.
Dry cell alkaline batteries: typical AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt, button-sized cells, etc. are permitted. NEW ONLY non-spillable wet, car type batteries (absorbed electrolyte), limited to 12 volts and 100-watt hours per battery. These batteries must be the absorbed electrolyte type (gel cells, AGM, etc.) that meet the requirements of 49 CFR 173.159a(d); i.e., no electrolyte will flow from a cracked battery case. Batteries must be in strong outer packaging or installed in equipment. NEW ONLY wet type car batteries meeting 49 CFR 173.159a(d) are permitted when isolated from passenger spaces.