It’s h-over: Ban for all hoverboards, e-scooters and e-skateboards in all Northern stations

E-scooters, hoverboards and e-skateboards are set to be banned on all Northern trains and stations as of Thursday, 1 December.

The ruling is due to the potential fire risk posed by the lithium batteries in these devices, which can overheat and catch fire.

Electric wheelchairs and e-bikes are exempt from the ban – as are mobility scooters for those with access needs, as long as they are registered with the train operator’s Mobility Scooter Permit Scheme – which checks devices by a range of criteria to make sure they are safe to use on-board.

Northern’s decision may not be popular with some commuters, however it may well help keep them out of legal hot water as well as keeping them safe. Whilst it is legal to buy and own an e-scooter (and hoverboards and electric unicycles) for personal use, under UK law the vehicles are considered “powered transporters”. This means that it’s illegal to use them on pavements, cycle lanes or in pedestrianised areas.

The use of an e-scooters where it shouldn’t be could lead to a fine, penalty points and even having your scooter impounded. Some UK cities, including London, Newcastle, Bristol and Manchester are trialling e-scooter rental, although you need to hold a driving license to take advantage of these.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “The safety of our customers and staff is our number one priority.

“As these devices have become more and more popular, so have the horror stories of lithium batteries overheating and catching fire.

“Most of these devices are not actually approved for use in the UK – and from today our staff will refuse travel to anyone attempting to board one of our trains, or access one of our stations with such a device.”

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