E-scooters are now banned from the Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) network.

From June 1, e-scooters, e-unicycles, e-skateboards and hoverboards are banned on GTR’s Thameslink and Great Northern trains.

The decision follows a number of incidents on the UK rail and Tube network where lithium-ion batteries have been associated with severe overheating, causing fires, explosions and toxic gas to be released.

This is because many of them are cheaply made and unregulated, posing a higher risk to passengers and staff on trains or stations.

 

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Under advice from rail industry bodies, GTR’s safety team has carried out a review of the risks.

Jenny Saunders, GTR’s customer services director, said: “In line with most other UK train operating companies and Rail Delivery Group advice, from June 1 we will not allow e-scooters or similar devices on trains or stations.

"Too many e-scooters have poor-quality lithium batteries that do not comply with European standards and make them a serious safety hazard, with the risk of explosion, fire and release of poisonous gas.”

Passengers who arrive at a GTR station - including those in Hertfordshire - with an e-scooter, e-unicycle, e-skateboard or hoverboard will be asked to return without the device and directed to an alternative train. 

These devices may not be stored at GTR stations either and will not be accepted as lost property.

However, e-bikes and mobility scooters are still allowed on-board GTR’s trains, as they meet a minimum legal standard, but cannot be charged on trains or at stations.

E-scooters were already banned by other train operators, such as Northern, Transport for London (TfL), and Nexus. 

Like GTR, Southeastern and South Western Railway have also now banned e-scooters.

                                                                                                                                

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