Avanti West Coast is introducing a ban on e-scooters at stations and on trains following concerns for safety.
The train operator that runs services between Liverpool Lime Street and London Euston is introducing the temporary ban from December 27. Electric scooters will be banned from all Avanti West Coast trains because of the risk posed by the Lithium-ion batteries that typically power the devices.
Avanti West Coast claimed the batteries can produce a vapour of toxic gases and possibly lead to a fire or a risk of explosion, if damaged or overheated. The ban only includes e-scooters and hoverboards. Electric wheelchairs, e-bikes and mobility scooters are exempt from the ban.
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The ban also extends to Avanti West Coast-managed train stations. The train operator manages 16 stations including Runcorn, Warrington Bank Quay and Wigan North Western.
Dave Whitehouse, safety and security director at Avanti West Coast, said: "At Avanti West Coast the safety of our staff and customers comes first. The risks associated with e-scooters are a significant concern and are why we’re banning them at our stations and onboard our trains.
"This temporary ban is to preserve the safety of our colleagues and customers until there is greater regulation on e-scooters. We ask our customers to adhere to these new rules and be kind to our staff helping to enforce them, so we can keep everyone safe."
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