E-scooters banned across South Western Railway over fire risk
By Nub News Reporter 23rd May 2023
E-scooters are to be banned from all South Western Railway stations and trains due to concerns over fire risks.
The ban is set to come into force from SWR on Thursday 1 June and follows similar restrictions from Southeastern, Southern Rail, Thameslink and Gatwick Express.
In a statement, the train operator said the decision has been made as e-scooters pose a fire risk due to the potential of their lithium-ion batteries overheating.
While SWR confirmed the chances of fire are small, there have been recent incidents of e-scooters catching fire on other forms of public transport.
In addition to the ban of e-scooters, passengers will not be allowed to charge the devices at SWR stations or on trains, and they will not be accepted as lost property.
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 1 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."
The ban also covers e-unicycles, e-skateboards and hoverboards. Electric wheelchairs and e-bikes are exempt from the ban as are mobility scooters for those with accessibility needs.
Private e-scooters can only be used on private land and not on public roads, cycle lanes or pavements.
The only e-scooters that can be used on public roads are those that are rented as part of government-backed trials.
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