Onewheel Pint X and Air Travel Regulations: Tips, Tricks, and Travel Hurdles

Oskar Fällman

Updated on:

fly with a onewheel pint x

Compared to the predecessor the Onewheel Pint the new Onewheel Pint X is not allowed on planes. Two major players determine if you can fly with your Onewheel. It’s the TSA/ FAA with the rules governing what is allowed when flying and then it’s the rule of the individual airlines such as Southwest, Delta, and United. In short, the answer is

No, you cannot fly with the Onehweel Pint X. The increase of the battery to 324 Wh puts it far over the limit set by the FAA of <160 Wh. The only way is to disassemble the board ship the battery separately to the location and carry the rest as checked-in luggage.

Flying Regulations for Onewheel Pint X

The Onehweel Pint X falls under the devices with large lithium-ion batteries (>160 watt-hours). It doesn’t help that the battery is an NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide). NMC is a Lithium-ion class battery and its full name is Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2). What’s governed by the regulations is the amount of active Lithium inside the battery, and the Onewheel Pint X is above that for carry-on and checked-in baggage.

Carrying a Onewheel Pint X
It’s better to have a bag for your board.

With airline approval, devices can contain larger lithium-ion batteries (101-160 watt-hours per battery), but spares of this size are limited to two batteries in carry-on baggage only. This size covers the largest aftermarket extended-life laptop batteries and most lithium-ion batteries for professional-grade audio/visual equipment.

FAA.gov

Common questions and answers

  • What type of battery does it have?
    Its NMC battery
  • Does it list the watt-hours?
    The battery capacity is visible on the label on the underside of the board
    The Onewheel Pint X watt hours are 324 Wh.

Can I take my Onewheel Pint X on a plane?

You cannot take the Onehweel Pint X onto a plane as carry-on baggage. This is because the lithium batteries inside and governed by the TSA and follow the FAA guidelines regarding flying. The Onewheel Pint X is regulated as a large battery and therefore prohibited from being carried onto the plane.

airport check-in information
Don´t try to check in your Pint X.

Can you check in an Onewheel Pint X

No, You definitely can’t travel with an Onewheel Pint X as checked-in baggage as the battery size is too large. High-power lithium batteries are considered a dangerous item and can only be carried onboard. Not even wheelchairs or other personal mobility devices above 300wh are allowed to be checked in or carried as carry-on baggage.

(B) The battery must be carried in carry-on baggage only;
(D) The battery must not exceed 300 Watt-hour (Wh)

FAA

Disassemble the board before shipping

The only way is to disassemble the Onehweel Pint X and ship the controller separately with all the right labels. Many riders have done this with success with their Onewheel XRs, but it’s an increased cost and hassle to separately ship the battery. The motor, rails, and controller are then checked in when flying. This idea also fixed the problem that many airlines have specifically called out “self-balancing boards” on their Restricted Items list.

Make sure to fully deflate the wheel before shipping and drain the battery to below 30% SoC (State of Charge)

Disassembling the board is something commonly done in the electric skateboard community when riders are traveling with their boards on planes.

Rent A bBoard Instead

If you are not feeling comfortable disassembling, shipping, and flying with your board another option is to rent a board. Today there are multiple options out there and if you want to see a list of providers check out Onewheel rentals in the USA. Most major cities have got a rental shop and more are popping up both in the US and around the world.

2020 IATA Lithium Battery Guidance: Transport of Lithium Metal and Lithium Ion Batteries (PDF)

Looking for a board you can fly with, check the can I fly with an Onewheel Pint

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating air travel with the Onewheel Pint X demands a careful understanding of the FAA regulations and individual airline policies. The increased battery capacity of 324 Wh in the Onewheel Pint X places it outside the allowable limit set by the FAA, making it unsuitable for both carry-on and checked-in baggage.

The only viable option for those who want to bring their Onewheel Pint X on a plane is a somewhat cumbersome process involving disassembling the board and shipping the battery separately. This approach, while successful for some, adds complexity and cost to the travel experience.

Alternatively, renting a board emerges as a hassle-free solution for those uncomfortable with disassembly and shipping procedures. With numerous rental options available, particularly in major cities, you as a rider can still enjoy the Onewheel experience at your destination without the intricacies of air travel.

Ultimately, whether disassembling or opting for a rental, it’s crucial to adhere to safety guidelines, including deflating the wheel and reducing battery charge. While the restrictions might seem stringent, they reflect the evolving landscape of air travel safety, emphasizing the need for riders to adapt and explore alternative solutions to continue their Onewheel adventures.

About Oskar Fällman

Oskar Fällman, founder of FallmanTech, is a seasoned Onewheel rider and a visionary system engineer with a master's in Industrial Management and Engineering from Lunds University. With thousands of miles under his belt, Oskar combines technical expertise with a passion for technology and innovation. As a leader in the Onewheel community, he not only rides Onewheel's but also prioritizes safety, new innovations and the growth of the sport. As a system engineer he also holds a multiple patents and innovations. LinkedIn, Academia profile, Contact, Twitter, Patents.