Electric Mobility Scooter, E-Bike and E-Scooter Policy

Agamemnon Housing Association (AHA) recognises that electric mobility scooters are essential mobility aids for many tenants and support independence and wellbeing.  AHA also acknowledges the increasing use of mobility scooters, electric bicycles (e-bikes), and electric scooters (e-scooters).

This policy aims to balance tenants’ mobility needs with the safety of all tenants, visitors, employees, contractors and emergency responders.  Attention is given to fire safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, charging arrangements, storage locations, and maintaining safe means of escape within sheltered housing schemes.

This policy aims to balance tenants’ mobility needs with the safety of all tenants, visitors, employees, contractors and emergency responders.  Attention is given to fire safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, charging arrangements, storage locations, and maintaining safe means of escape within sheltered housing schemes.

This policy applies to:

• All tenants and leaseholders.
• Visitors bringing electric mobility devices onto Association premises.
• Employees and contractors managing AHA housing schemes.
• All sheltered housing courts, communal facilities and external grounds owned or managed by AHA.

This policy covers:

• Mobility scooters.
• Electric wheelchairs.
• E-bikes.
• E-scooters.

• Mobility Scooter: A battery-powered vehicle designed to assist individuals with mobility impairments.
• E-Bike: A pedal-assisted electrically powered bicycle with a rechargeable battery.
• E-Scooter: An electrically powered scooter.
• Charging Area: A designated area approved by AHA for the charging of electric mobility devices.
• Communal Areas: Corridors, entrance halls, lift lobbies, lounges, laundry rooms, staircases, escape routes and other shared areas.

AHA will:

• Promote independent living wherever possible.
• Comply with fire safety and health and safety legislation.
• Ensure communal escape routes remain unobstructed.
• Conduct risk assessments where required.
• Treat all applications fairly and consistently.
• Consider reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010.
• Work with residents to identify safe storage and charging solutions.

Tenants must obtain written approval from AHA before bringing a mobility scooter, e-bike or e-scooter into any sheltered housing scheme.

Applications must include:

• Make and model.
• Dimensions.
• Battery type.
• Insurance details.
• Proposed storage location.

AHA reserves the right to refuse permission where safe storage or charging cannot be achieved.

Permitted Storage:  Electric mobility devices may only be stored:

• In designated scooter shelters.
• In approved external lockable charging/storage units.
• In specifically designated mobility scooter rooms.

Prohibited Storage:  Devices must not be stored:

• Tenants’ flats
• In communal corridors.
• In entrance halls.
• In stairwells.
• In lift lobbies.
• In communal lounges.
• In laundry rooms.
• In fire escape routes.
• In front of fire doors or exits.

Any device creating a safety risk may be removed or require immediate relocation.

Charging presents the greatest fire risk; therefore, strict controls apply.

Tenants must:

• Only use manufacturer-approved chargers.
• Charge batteries in designated approved locations.
• Visually inspect batteries and chargers before use.
• Disconnect chargers once charging is complete.
• Use timers where available.

Residents must not:

• Charge in any area other than the scooter sheds provided.
• Use damaged batteries or chargers.
• Use extension leads unless specifically approved by AHA.
• Trail cables across communal areas.
• Leave devices charging unattended for extended periods.

Tenants must immediately report:

• Battery overheating.
• Burning smells.
• Smoke.
• Damaged charging equipment.
• Any fire involving a mobility device.

Where a battery shows signs of damage, swelling or overheating, it must be removed from service immediately.

AHA will:

• Maintain clear escape routes.
• Seek specialist fire safety advice where required.
• Update procedures following incidents.
• Take immediate action where serious fire risks are identified.

Mobility scooters may only be driven:

• From the main entrance to the approved storage location.
• At walking pace.
• With due regard for other tenants.

E-bikes and e-scooters must not be ridden inside buildings under any circumstances.

Tenants must not:

• Block access routes.
• Cause alarm or nuisance to other residents.
• Carry hazardous goods on mobility devices.

All users must maintain:

• Mobility Scooters: Minimum £1 million public liability insurance.
• E-Bikes and E-Scooters: Appropriate public liability insurance where available.

Evidence of insurance must be supplied annually to the Housing Officer.

Failure to provide insurance may result in permission being withdrawn.

AHA may carry out an individual risk assessment where:

• Device size may impact evacuation routes.
• Battery charging arrangements are proposed.
• Fire safety concerns exist.

Each request will be assessed individually.

AHA recognises its duties under the Equality Act 2010.

Where tenants have disabilities, AHA will consider reasonable adjustments provided that:

• Fire safety can be maintained.
• Other tenants are not placed at risk.
• Suitable storage arrangements can be achieved.

Where this policy is breached, AHA may:

• Issue advice and guidance.
• Require relocation of the device.
• Withdraw permission to keep the device.
• Recover costs for damage caused.
• Take tenancy enforcement action where necessary.

Any immediate fire safety risk may result in urgent action without prior notice.

Tenants who disagree with a decision made under this policy may:

1. Request a review by the Housing Officer.
2. Submit a formal complaint through AHA’s Complaints Procedure.
3. Refer unresolved complaints to the Housing Ombudsman Service.

AHA will monitor:

• Approved devices.
• Fire incidents.
• Insurance compliance.
• Risk assessment outcomes.
• Tenants’ complaints.

This policy will be reviewed every three years or sooner if legislation, guidance or operational experience requires amendment.