SWR bans e-scooters from trains and stations over ‘fire risk’
South Western Railway is banning e-scooters from its trains and stations. The new rule will also cover e-unicycles, e-skateboards and hoverboards.
The train company says the ban will be brought in from Thursday, June 1. It said it is being introduced due to safety concerns around batteries on the items.
SWR[1] says e-scooters "pose a fire risk" due to the "potential of their lithium-ion batteries overheating". The new rule follows similar bans at other train operators.
SWR said the chances of a fire are small but there have been recent incidents of e-scooters catching fire on public transport. And in addition to the ban, customers will not be permitted to charge the devices at their stations or on their trains. They will also not be accepted as lost property.
Electric wheelchairs and e-bikes are exempt from the ban along with mobility scooters for those with accessibility needs. Customers are being advised to check with staff if they are unsure.
Jane Lupson, SWR’s head of safety, said: "Reports of incidents involving e-scooters catching fire on National Rail services or infrastructure are increasing and the potential risk that they pose is not acceptable to our customers and colleagues. After some consideration, and in line with other partners in the rail industry, we will be banning e-scooters on our trains and at our stations from Thursday, June 1.
“We understand that these devices are popular, but the safety of our customers and staff is our number one priority, so until greater regulation and testing can be brought in to ensure the safety of those travelling on trains, e-scooters will remain banned."
E-bikes are not covered by the ban and are allowed at SWR stations and on SWR trains because they are legal to use in the UK and are regulated to a legal minimum Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPC) standard. E-scooters are not subject to the same regulation.
Non-electric scooters are still allowed on trains as before, as are powered mobility scooters. Petrol scooters and mopeds are still not allowed due to the fire risk associated with petrol.
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