E-bike and e-scooter safety guidance issued

Government published information last month to mitigate fire risks.

Following extensive consultation with industry, the guidance on battery safety for both e-scooters and e-bikes aims to raise awareness for owners on how to safely purchase an e-cycle or e-scooter, and to ensure it meets manufacturing requirements and is only bought from reputable sellers. The document published by the Department for Transport also covers safe storage and charging; the warning signs for fire risk and how to address them; and how to dispose of batteries responsibly.

The guidance also reminds people that e-scooters cannot be used legally on roads unless they are part of an official rental trial.

Schools and workplaces

Separate guidance has been issued for public transport operators to assess fire risks associated with the carriage of e-bikes and e-scooters on trains and buses. Similar information has been produced for those managing premises such as schools and workplaces.

Commenting, Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, Anthony Browne, said: “Safety has always been our top priority, which is why our latest guidance aims to improve the awareness of e-bike and e-scooter users in the trial areas where they’re authorised.”

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