South Western Railway bans e-scooters on trains as they pose a ‘fire risk’

A BAN on e-scooters has been introduced on all trains by South Western Railway due to them posing a fire risk.

The new rule will come into force on 1st June , prompted by the fact the scooters have a lithium-ion battery which can explode if it overheats.

A spokesperson for the railway operator says while the “chances of a fire are small, there have been recent incidents of e-scooters catching fire on other forms of public transport.”

SWR has also confirmed that customers will not be able to charge devices such as e-unicycles, skateboards and hoverboards on trains.

Wheelchairs are exempt from the ban, as are mobility scooters.

“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 1st June.

“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.”

Firefighters have revealed that they have been called to nearly 600 fires in the UK which were started by lithium batteries in e-scooters and e-bikes since the start of 2020.

For more information, visit: southwesternrailway.com