Mobility Scooter, E-Bike and E-Scooter Policy

How we manage the fire and safety risks linked to mobility scooters, e‑bikes and e‑scooters, particularly those caused by lithium‑ion batteries.

This policy aims to: 

  • keep residents, staff and visitors safe
  • balance safety with independence
  • apply the rules fairly and consistently across our housing

It applies to:

  • our tenants and leaseholders
  • anyone who uses, stores or charges a mobility scooter, e‑bike or e‑scooter in our homes or communal areas
  • council staff responsible for managing housing, health and safety and fire safety

The policy sets out:

  • how tenants must ask for permission before buying or using a mobility scooter
  • where mobility scooters can and cannot be stored or charged
  • the fire safety rules that apply to communal areas, escape routes and lifts
  • when we may provide designated mobility scooter storage areas and charge for their use
  • what safety checks are required, including PAT testing and fire risk assessments
  • residents’ responsibilities for safe use, charging, maintenance and insurance
  • how we use personal evacuation plans and person‑centred fire risk assessments to support residents
  • our position on e‑bikes and e‑scooters, including that we do not allow them to be stored in homes or communal areas because of fire risk
  • how we consult residents, consider equality impacts and review the policy to make sure it stays up to date