E-unicycles banned from South Western Railways

Rail company isn't clowning around

You've got a week left if you want to take an e-scooter or e-unicycle on a station operated by South Western Railways or on one of their trains.

From Thursday 1 June, the company, which operates services between Exeter and London Waterloo, is banning those forms of transport, because of the risk of fire.

In a move that could be seen to discriminate against clowns, the rail giant is to stop passengers taking electric modes of transport on their property, even if they are turned off.

Hoverboards won't be allowed either.

The company, which is owned by First Group, says their batteries make them a fire risk.

It brings South Western Railways into line GWR, which is also owned by First Group, and which banned the devices earlier this year.

Lithium-ion batteries, which are used to power such scooters, unicycles and hoverboards, have been known to overheat. Although the chances of a fire are small, there have been incidents of e-scooters catching fire on other forms of public transport.

In addition to the e-scooter ban, customers won't be allowed to charge the devices at their stations or on their trains, and that they will not be accepted as lost property.

Electric wheelchairs and e-bikes are exempt from the ban, as are mobility scooters for people with accessibility needs. Customers are advised to check with staff if they are unsure.

E-bikes are still allowed because they are legal in the UK and are regulated to a legal minimum Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPC) standard. E-scooters are not subject to the same regulation, which makes them a higher, unregulated risk.

Jane Lupson, SWR’s head of safety, said: “Reports of incidents involving e-scooters catching fire on National Rail services or infrastructure are increasing and the potential risk that they pose is not acceptable to our customers and colleagues.

“After some consideration, and in line with other partners in the rail industry, we will be banning e-scooters on our trains and at our stations from Thursday 1 June.

“We understand that these devices are popular, but the safety of our customers and staff is our number one priority, so until greater regulation and testing can be brought in to ensure the safety of those travelling on trains, e-scooters will remain banned.”