From May, passengers of the Leipzig public transport company (LVB) will no longer be allowed to take e-scooters on buses and trains. "The reason for this decision is current assessments of fire protection in the vehicles following incidents abroad," the LVB announced in Leipzig on Thursday. Due to the currently low safety requirements for e-scooters, the probability of a battery fire is significantly higher than with other electric vehicles.
At the end of February, numerous transport companies had spoken out in favor of a ban on taking e-scooters on local public transport buses and trains.
"Such a fire in a bus or train poses considerable dangers for passengers and employees due to toxic smoke, flames and explosions," it continued. The gases released in the event of a fire are toxic even in low concentrations. In addition, the smoke is released in a matter of seconds.
As soon as the manufacturers have eliminated the existing risk, e-scooters are to be approved for transportation again. Pedelecs, electric wheelchairs and four-wheeled electric scooters for people with limited mobility are not affected by the ban.
