The Lithium Battery Challenge
More and more airlines are tightening restrictions on lithium batteries, especially after several high-profile incidents involving battery fires on board. In January 2025, a power bank stored in the cabin of an Air Busan flight caught fire while the plane was preparing to taxi, leading to an emergency evacuation of all 176 passengers. Twenty-seven people were injured, and the aircraft caught fire and was completely destroyed.
Such incidents have prompted regulators and carriers to treat all lithium-ion batteries (even those in mobility devices) with increasing caution. In the past, many carriers simply checked the battery label to ensure it was within 300 Watt-hours (Wh), occasionally requesting the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Nowadays, pre-approvals are almost always required, and in addition to the MSDS, many airlines request the battery’s UN 38.3 test report.
How This Affects Travellers With Mobility Aids
Hassle
Travellers must go through the hassle of writing to airlines to get their batteries approved for carriage. There will often be lengthy back-and-forth communication, and even then, approval is not guaranteed.
Limited Choice
Since not all carriers accept mobility aid batteries, the choice of airlines becomes restricted, potentially increasing travel costs.
Risk of Getting Stuck Overseas
Even if your battery makes it through outbound screening, there’s no guarantee it will be allowed back on your return flight. You may be asked to discard the battery, resulting in extra costs and inconvenience when you get home as you need to buy a replacement battery.
Operational Hassles
You’ll need to ensure your battery complies with airline limits (Wh rating, condition, packaging). Even then, staff may reroute you, request extra inspections, or refuse carriage altogether.
Extra Time & Stress
You may face delays at check-in, security, or boarding. Some airlines require the battery to be powered off, disconnected, or removed entirely, adding logistical complications—especially for travellers who rely on their mobility devices.
Why Renting Locally Is a Better Choice
No Battery Transport Risk
You don’t have to worry about airline battery bans or being forced to leave your device behind. The rental provider already has the mobility aid and batteries waiting for you at your destination.
Hassle-Free
No need to pack, protect, or certify a battery. You simply pick up the device (or have it delivered to your hotel concierge), use it, and return it when done.
Better Support & Maintenance
Rental providers ensure devices are in good working order, batteries are charged, and replacements are available if something goes wrong.
Flexibility
Choose the duration you need during your stay. No need to lug extra weight or worry about baggage limits.
Compliance With Local Regulations
Different countries have different rules on mobility aids. If you bring your own, its maximum speed may exceed local limits, creating legal issues. Renting from a local company ensures the device complies with local regulations.
Regulations on Mobility Scooters and Electric Wheelchairs in Singapore
In Singapore, mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs are classified by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) as Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs).
By 2026, all PMAs used on Singapore’s footpaths must not exceed 6 km/h. In addition, hirers of mobility scooters are strongly encouraged to carry a doctor’s memo certifying medical need, as only people with genuine mobility issues will be permitted to ride scooters. This requirement does not apply to users of motorised wheelchairs.
To know what the new rules for PMAs in Singapore are, please click below:
2026 LTA Rules for PMAs in Singapore
Why Renting From ELFIGO Mobility Is the Better Choice
If you are travelling to Singapore, ELFIGO Mobility offers lightweight, foldable mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs for rent.
- We provide only LTA-compliant PMAs that can be used legally in Singapore.
- Light enough to be transported in a private hire car or taxi, yet powerful enough to handle Singapore’s MRT subway system.
- A spare battery and charger are provided with every unit so you never have to worry about running out of power.
- No deposit required.
- Discounts available for longer rental periods.
- Hassle-free delivery and collection—we’ll deliver to your hotel concierge before you arrive and collect it after you check out.
To find out more about ELFIGO Mobility’s rental program, make an enquiry or place a booking, please visit our PMA Rental page.