I use a manual chair, not a scooter, but tend to think just the opposite, that gate-checking is safer than checking as baggage. I admit I don't have any information to back that opinion up. I tend to figure that mobility devices checked as baggage are out of my control for longer.

I boxed and checked a handcycle once (in a triathlon bike box), and on another trip just rolled it up to the gate unboxed (I wrapped the gears and shifters in bubble wrap). Came through ok both times (although I was totally frazzled worrying about what would happen to it.

What I do know is that anything that *can* come off, should come off.