Securing Folding Bike

[dmloftus]

I bought the Turboant X7 Pro with removable 360Wh batteries which allows me to keep the batteries in a supposedly fire resistant bag at my feet. I would be nervous about scooters with batteries built into the deck. If there was a battery fire in the back while flying, I couldn’t do anything about it before it damages the plane. With removable batteries within reach, I can at least try to toss them out of the window. That’s my theory ;-)

https://turboant.com/products/turboant ... ic-scooter

[jwx96]

I would be a little worried about the big batteries in the plane too. I only carry batteries small enough to toss out the windows. I carry a folding bike (Dahon Mariner) in my back seat, in a bag, with the seat backs up. I use the seat/shoulder belts to secure the bag. I think I could fit a second bike but haven’t tried.

[Thomas]

We used 2 Dahon folding Bikes with Bionix electro kits for our trips. One in the (standard) baggage comp and one on the back seats, secured with the safety belts and an additional belt to the cargo net. Then even was space for up to one month long travel baggage incl. all the ladies needs .
Back in 2009 when I made this setup, the battery fire risk was not seen as an issue. The older Lithium-Ionen batteries with multiple single 1.2V cells were probalbly different.
Anyway its history – we sold the DA40 last years.

[dant]

I guess I haven't really thought about this much but surely in the event of an _actual fire_ you can push up the canopy enough to yeet the batteries out?

And honestly if I couldn't do that and it's clearly going to be an ongoing issue, the plane is going on autopilot and the back window is getting opened
/ emergency pulled either by me crawling back there or by whoever passenger is in the back.

Not gonna go down in flames just because a battery refuses to fit through a tiny window heh.

[ememic99]

The largest battery that enters my cockpit and baggage compartments is a Macbook's one.

[dmloftus]

Not gonna go down in flames just because a battery refuses to fit through a tiny window heh.

That's exactly why I chose this scooter. The batteries are removable and an ideal size to push through the window in the small chance of a malfunction. Also a thick pair of leather gardening gloves (or possibly even welder's gloves) to grab them with if they get too hot.
The other great benefit is being able to carry multiple batteries to increase your range. Their web site claims up to 30 miles on a single battery, but I'm sure that is at a slower speed than I would like to ride. Toss an extra battery in a backpack just in case.
These are ideal to buzz around at the beach, also planning to take them to the Bahamas. I bought a carry bag for easier storage in the plane.

https://turboant.com/products/x7-pro-el ... nt-battery

[jwx96]

I think that scooter is worth a look. Thanks! I think Sporty’s sells fireproof bags and gloves for planes.

[Rich]

This one you wouldn't even have to fold. What could go wrong ?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFHZKK31/re ... 41820ce4d2

[firedwg1]

how heavy is that bike? 30lbs looks like it would make the tail a bit heavy

[dmloftus]

how heavy is that bike? 30lbs looks like it would make the tail a bit heavy

If you're asking about the scooter, it weighs 34lbs with the battery. I remove the 6-pound battery and leave it at my feet in a fireproof bag, which improves W&B. That leaves 28 pounds in the back seat. The scooter fits nicely side to side on top of a couple of rollaboards.