does someone in your home have an e-bike or e-scooter?
If you own, or are thinking about buying a mobility scooter, e-bike or e-scooter, there are some things you need to consider, including how to store and charge them safely.
Mobility scooters are a great way of getting around and maintaining independence. They are easy to control, cheap to run and can change the lives of those who need them. Because of this there are hundreds of thousands of mobility scooter owners in the UK.
Electric bikes and e-scooters are becoming an increasingly popular form of transport.
If you have one or are thinking about buying one, there are some things you need to consider, including how to store and charge them safely.
These vehicles are often powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can be charged at home. It is vital you take precautions to prevent a fire, which would put your family and home at risk, and to preserve the battery’s lifespan.
In the event of a mobility scooter, e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire, do not attempt to extinguish the fire. Get out, stay out, call 999.
- Buy mobility scooters, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-bike conversion kits, chargers, and batteries from reputable retailers (many fires involve counterfeit electrical goods).
- Register your product with the manufacturer to validate any warranties (this makes it easier for manufacturers to contact you if there is a safety recall).
- Check any vehicle or kit you’ve bought is not subject to a product recall by checking Electrical Safety First’s website or the government website.
- Make sure you arrange the correct insurance cover; household contents insurance alone is not sufficient.
- Before buying a mobility scooter, e-bike or e-scooter, make sure you have a suitable place to store it. It is not recommended that these items are purchased if you live in a flat block as often there is nowhere suitable to keep them.
- Mobility scooters, e-bikes and e-scooters must never be stored or charged where they block escape routes. In flat blocks they must never be kept in the communal areas, even temporarily, unless this is in a specifically constructed scooter room.
- If a lithium-ion battery is not going to be used for an extended period, follow manufacturer’s instructions for storage and maintenance.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Charge batteries when you’re awake and alert, never while you’re asleep or away from the home, and unplug it once fully-charged (not only is it dangerous, but overcharging can also reduce the battery’s lifespan).
- Only use chargers approved by the manufacturer.
- If you spot any signs of wear and tear or damage, replace the charger with a manufacturer-approved model from a reputable seller.
- Do not cover chargers or battery packs when charging, as this could cause overheating or a fire.
- Do not charge batteries or store your e-bike or e-scooter near combustible or flammable materials.
- Do not overload sockets or extension leads when charging, fully extend any extension lead that coil around the unit.
- Make sure your smoke alarms work by testing them regularly.
- In the event of a fire: Get out, stay out, call 999.
- Make sure your scooter/bike it is maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s guideline, which should include annual portable appliance testing to ensure electrical safety.
- If you think that something is not operating correctly, then have it checked by a qualified engineer.
- Regularly check your battery for signs of damage and if found replace it immediately (a battery can be damaged if dropped or involved in a crash, causing it to overheat and catch fire without warning)
- Do not dispose of damaged or end of life batteries in your household waste or recycling, check with your local authority or the manufacturer to find suitable battery recycling arrangements in your area (punctured or crushed batteries can easily cause a fire in bin lorries, recycling and waste centres).