Fires involving mobility scooters are relatively uncommon, but the consequences can be severe. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service wants owners, residents and those responsible for premises to be aware of the risks related to storing and charging this mode of transport.

Due to the widespread expansion in the use and availability of mobility scooters their popularity is now beginning to create issues in premises which were not designed to accommodate such vehicles. Mobility scooters involved in fire can release large volumes of highly toxic smoke and gases. A fire in a scooter stored on an escape route can make that route impassable in a matter of minutes: in tests, conditions on a communal escape route became untenable in under three minutes.

Many scooters now use lithium-based batteries, which can react unpredictably in a fire. Lithium battery fires can develop very quickly and produce large amounts of toxic gas that can fill a room or corridor before a smoke alarm has had time to respond. If a scooter or its battery catches fire, do not try to tackle it. Get out, stay out and call 999.

Mobility Scooters in Common Areas of Blocks of Flats and Sheltered Accommodation

Mobility scooters can and should be stored and charged within the resident’s flat, where the fire risk assessment shows this is safe to do (for example, not in a hallway that is the only means of escape).

If mobility scooters cannot be stored and charged within the resident’s flat, then it is recommended that they be stored and charged in a dedicated storage facility. Such facilities should be enclosed in fire resisting construction (normally 60 minutes, or 30 minutes where there are no more than three scooters or automatic fire suppression is fitted), with fire resisting self-closing doors and automatic fire detection, monitored where possible. They will also require ventilation and emergency lighting, and automatic suppression should be considered. Sockets must be suitable for the charging taking place, and the fixed wiring and charging equipment should be tested and maintained. Consider restricting the power supply to charging points between 8pm and 8am.

External storage and charging areas should be at least 6 metres from the building to reduce the likelihood of fire spread in an emergency. The risk assessment should consider arson, construction and fire spread, access and egress, the electrical installation, maintenance and monitoring.

Mobility scooters should not be stored in corridors and other communal areas forming part of the means of escape from the building. (The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to these areas).

Under no circumstances should mobility scooters be charged in corridors and communal areas.

Residents should check their tenancy agreement with respect to allowing mobility scooters at their premises, and obtain the landlord’s or manager’s permission before storing or charging one. Residents should hold appropriate insurance for their scooter, including third party liability cover.

Premises Managers/Responsible Persons should review their Fire Risk Assessments following the introduction of mobility scooters into the premises, and should record the maximum number of scooters the premises can safely accommodate. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, as amended by section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022, the fire risk assessment and fire safety arrangements must be recorded in full. In buildings containing two or more sets of domestic premises, Responsible Persons must also give residents relevant fire safety information in a form they can easily understand, in Welsh and English where possible.

After any fire involving a mobility scooter, however small, inform the fire and rescue service and report it to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) through its Yellow Card scheme, giving the make and model. Review the fire risk assessment following the incident.

Mobility Scooters within the home

•       Never store mobility scooters where it could obstruct your exit in the event of a fire in your home.

•       The mobility scooter should be stored and charged within a room in the dwelling, not in a hallway that is your only way out.

•       The room should be fitted with a substantial door, kept closed while charging, and fitted with a smoke detector. Charge away from any heat source.

•       Recharging should only be carried out during the day time hours and not overnight, when anyone is asleep, or when you are out. Disconnect the charger once charging is complete. (Plug-in timers can be used to avoid overcharging the batteries).

•       If your mobility scooter is to be stored for any length of time the battery should be removed, where the scooter is designed to allow this.

•       Always use the correct battery and charger for your scooter. Buy batteries from a reputable seller and never buy a second-hand lithium battery.

Mobility Scooter Fire Safety

•       All mobility scooters are to be charged as per manufacturer’s instructions.

•       All mobility scooters should be routinely serviced by suitably qualified mechanics with a report provided detailing any issues that may need further work.

•       Mobility scooter chargers should have an up to date Portable Appliance Test (PAT) or equivalent electrical safety check to ensure the charging equipment is in good condition.

•       New mobility scooters should carry the appropriate safety marking (CE or UKCA) and should be manufactured to BS EN 12184 (electrically powered wheelchairs, scooters and their chargers). Mobility scooters are regulated as medical devices.

Further Information

Further advice and guidance is available from the Business Education Team on 01745 535 250.