New guidance on E-cycle and e-scooter batteries

The government has recently released guidance on E-cycle and e-scooter batteries: managing fire risk for public transport operators which you can find here. This guidance focuses on risk and possible mitigation of lithium battery fires while e-cycles or e-scooters are being carried by public transport vehicles.

E-scooters, as an example of micromobility more generally, have had a global impact in recent years on personal mobility. Evidence from the e-scooter trials evaluation indicates that e-scooters can provide access to new transport options, with people from ethnic minority groups and individuals on low incomes more likely to use rental e-scooters regularly.

This guidance aims to provide public transport operators with tools, resources and options around risk management while safeguarding the utility of these modes of transport for users. It is not a legal compliance document and does not replace existing regulations or the need to comply with them. It is not intended to be exhaustive and is provided on an informative basis only.

Commenting on the guidance, the CPT stated that they’ve discussed the benefits and risks associated with e-scooters at several meetings of their Road Operations Committee and welcome this guidance as it usefully brings everything together and provides key points and data.

Please contact the regulatory team here if you require any advice.