Electric scooters to be banned by ScotRail over fire risk

Electric scooters are to be banned from ScotRail trains because of their fire risk, The Scotsman has learned.

The temporary 12-month move, which is expected to be announced shortly, follows cases of e-scooters catching fire at stations in London.

Other train firms, including cross-border operators Avanti West Coast, LNER, TransPennine Express and CrossCountry, have already barred passengers from taking them on board.

E-scooters are a common sight despite being illegal on roads and pavements in Scotland. They can only be used legally on private land with the owner’s consent.

ScotRail will follow other train operators in introducing an e-scooter ban. Picture: John Devlin

The ScotRail ban was agreed by its board following a proposal from safety, engineering and sustainability director David Lister “to impose a temporary 12-month ban on the carriage of unregulated lithium-ion powered micro devices on ScotRail services.”

Minutes from the meeting stated: “The fire risks associated with such devices was highlighted, together with the recommendation from the [industry umbrella body] Rail Delivery Group that train operators impose a ban due to such concerns. The board approved the proposed 12-month ban on the devices.”

The ScotRail decision was welcomed by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT), ScotRail’s largest union.

Scottish organiser Mick Hogg said: “If the ScotRail decision is to keep members of the public and staff safe, then RMT will wholeheartedly support this position as there can be no gambles or chances when it comes to people’s safety. Everyone home safe everyday to their family.

E-scooters can be used legally only on private land with the owner's consent, such as this office car park. Picture: John Devlin

“This decision would be the same as other train operators south of the Border – all on the grounds of safety for passengers and staff.”

The ban by other train operators followed an industry-wide review prompted by incidents such as one at Parsons Green station on the London Underground in which passengers had to evacuate a train after an e-scooter caught fire and continued to burn after it was moved onto the platform in 2021. It came days after another e-scooter fire at Stanmore station on the Underground.

The rail union TSSA said such incidents showed e-scooters posed a "significant threat".

The review led ScotRail in December 2021 to ask passengers not to carry the scooters on trains pending its conclusion.

ScotRail confirmed the impending ban. A spokesperson said: “We are in the process of a consultation process with the trade unions to implement it.”