Avanti West Coast to ban e-scooters at Penrith Station and onboard trains

Avanti West Coast to ban e-scooters at Penrith Station and onboard trains.

Avanti West Coast has become the latest train operator to ban e-scooters that from the 27th of December will no longer permitted at stations including Penrith or onboard trains along West Coast following safety concerns.

The ban that comes into force from Tuesday 27 December means that electric scooters (e-scooters) will no longer be allowed onboard Avanti West Coast trains or at its 16 managed stations including Penrith because of the risk posed by the Lithium-ion batteries that typically power these devices.

Lithium-ion batteries can produce a vapour of toxic gases and lead to a fire or a risk of explosion, if damaged or overheated.

The intercity operator’s policy covers e-scooters and hoverboards only.

Mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs and e-bikes are exempt from the ban.

Customers travelling with mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs are advised to contact Avanti West Coast’s Assisted Travel Team to arrange assistance for their journey.

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.”