E-Scooters and E-Bikes are continuing to grow in popularity across the UK. Typically combining a lightweight folding frame with lithium-ion battery-electric technology, they have become the affordable urban mobility vehicle of choice. However, this has also led to an increase in fire risk and a growing concern.
In London, the London Fire Brigade has backed Transport for London’s ban on private e-scooters, which prevents them from being taken onto the capital’s transport network.
The ban came into force at the end of 2021, following an incident in November which saw an e-scooter catch fire on a train stopped at an underground station. As a result of this incident and other reported fires involving e-scooters, Transport for London launched an urgent review. London Fire Brigade supported the review with evidence being provided by its experts.
The issue has been a big concern with the Fire Brigade for some time. In 2021 firefighters in England attended more than 50 blazes as a result of e-scooters or e-bikes, in comparison to 2020 which saw half that amount for the whole year. This prompted London Fire Brigade to issue an urgent safety warning.
Paul Jennings, Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, London Fire Brigade, said “We have growing concerns about the safety of e-scooters and e-bikes due to the amount of fires we are seeing involving them, so we fully support TfL’s ban of private e-scooters on public transport.’
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The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where felt necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader’s risk.