Mobility scooter and e-bike safety

Equipment that uses lithium batteries must be stored safely and not in communal areas.

Council home tenants must inform us of their intention to purchase and store a mobility scooter, e-bike or e-scooter at their property.

Email: housing@woking.gov.uk 

It is advisable to have suitable insurance in place for electrical equipment, to ensure the items are suitably covered.

What to do in an emergency

Lithium batteries used with electrical equipment such as mobility scooters, wheelchairs, e-bikes and e-scooters can increase the risk of fire. The consequence can be a significant fire developing very quickly within a property or communal area.

If a fire breaks out because of this equipment, follow these steps:

  • Do not attempt to put out the fire.
  • Leave the area immediately through the nearest fire exit, taking all occupants with you.
  • Once in a place of safety, immediately call the fire service on 999. Follow any instruction given by the fire service.
  • Do not attempt to return to the area.

Find out more about fire safety for council homes.

Equipment safety checks

Personal equipment such as e-bikes should be maintained by the tenant.

Make sure they are regularly serviced and maintained. This could include an portable appliance safety check on the electrical charger

Batteries should never be left charging when you are asleep. Make sure that batteries have cooled down after use before charging.

Make sure you have a working fire detection system, such as a smoke alarm, within your property that you test weekly. 

Always follow the manufacturer's instruction and guidance on equipment purchased.

Storing your equipment

If you live in a council-owned property, this equipment types must not be stored in the communal areas. All communal areas are subject to a sterile communal area policy, which is enforced by Housing Management.

They can only be stored within a purpose-built storage area that meets fire standards to protect all building users. There are a limited number of these sites. It is important to check with us first, as unauthorised equipment will be removed if found to prevent safety risks.

Items of equipment will be removed if they are present in unauthorised locations and creating a hazard. 

Never block doorways or any way to get in or out of your property or communal areas, in case of fire or an emergency.