Most electric toothbrushes are allowed in carry-on bags by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and most global airport authorities. They classify them as personal care items, not dangerous goods. However, the wildcard here is the type of battery inside your brush.
If your toothbrush uses a lithium-ion battery (like most modern rechargeable ones), you’re golden—but only if the battery is under 100 watt-hours. That’s basically every standard travel brush. Pro tip: If it’s a big, industrial-looking model, maybe double-check the label.
For non-rechargeable electric brushes (the ones that take AA or AAA batteries), you’re also fine—just remove the batteries if asked. Airport security loves it when you take the guesswork out of their day. Trust me, they have enough to worry about.
But What About the Metal or Motor?
I once had a friend who was convinced his electric toothbrush would set off the metal detector because of the motor. Spoiler: it didn’t. The metal parts are small and encapsulated, so they rarely trigger a beep. If you do get flagged, just smile and pull it out of your bag—it’s common enough that officers will wave you through after a glance.
That said, if you’re traveling with a fancy, high-end brush that looks like a science experiment, keep it accessible in an outer pocket. You don’t want to be that person digging through socks and chargers. We’ve all been there.
Can You Take An Electric Toothbrush In Hand Luggage – National Traveller