1.1 The aim of the Policy is to set out North Ayrshire Councils approach to tenants regarding the storage of mobility scooters and other powered mobility equipment. This is to ensure the health and safety of tenants and residents, whilst ensuring permission requests are dealt with in a fair and consistent manner.

1.2 While North Ayrshire Council will not refuse permission for storage of powered mobility equipment unreasonably it is recognised that there will be situations where the council refuses storage where it is considered there is not an appropriate or safe manner of storing the equipment at the property.

1.3 To ensure that powered mobility equipment does not cause any obstructions when stored and does not increase the risk of fire spread or block an escape route in the event of a fire.

2.1 The policy defines mobility scooters as being an electrically powered mobility vehicle. They can be broken down into two groups: Class 2 – with a top speed of 4 miles per hour and are either 3 or 4 wheeled and Class 3 – with four wheels with a top speed of 8 miles per hour.

2.2 The policy defines e-bikes as a bike that can be powered by electric as well as propelled by pedals. The UK Government classify e-bikes as an Electric Assisted Pedal Cycle. An Electric Assisted Pedal Cycle can be propelled up to 15.5 miles per hour without pedalling and must not have a continuous rated power of 250 Watts. Where an e-bike does not meet the Electric Assisted Pedal Cycle rules it will be classed as a motorbike, and the owner will need to ensure it is registered and taxed and they hold the appropriate driving licence.

2.3 A powered wheelchair can be identified as a single seat vehicle powered by a battery, designed to help the user should they have trouble walking. Similar to mobility scooters powered wheelchairs fit into two groups: Class 2 with a top speed of 4 miles per hour and Class 3 with a top speed of 8 miles per hour.

2.4 It is recognised that tenants that have a disability which necessitates the use of a motorised wheelchair to enable them to carry out normal day to day functions may, only under exceptional circumstances, need to have a wheelchair stored in their property. Where it is necessary to have a motorised wheelchair stored in the resident’s property, a home fire safety referral should be made to Scottish Fire and Rescue for them to carry out an assessment, where they will then provide feedback and recommendations.

3.1 It is a legal requirement that we must ensure that all corridors and routes to emergency exits from premises and the exits themselves are kept clear at all times. This includes no combustible materials, such as battery packs, and that we take such fire precautions as may reasonably be required to ensure that the premises are safe.

3.2 Powered mobility equipment, and batteries if charged separately, involved in a fire can, very quickly lead to an unusually intense fire that can release toxic gases or fumes and large amounts of smoke which are extremely dangerous to inhale and generate dangerous and harmful heat. If powered mobility equipment is stored on escape routes and are involved in a fire, there is a potential that escape routes will become impassable and residents could be placed at significant risk in the event of a fire. Therefore, powered mobility equipment is included within the building fire risk assessment and appropriate measures are implemented to reduce the risk of harm from fire.

3.3 Controlling the presence of combustible materials and ignition sources not only reduces the potential for accidental fires to start and develop in the common parts, it also significantly reduces the scope for deliberate fires. It ensures escape routes are free of obstructions that might hinder the evacuation of people from the building and access for firefighters. The ignition of combustible material within the common corridors, stairways and landings will give rise to the presence of large quantities of toxic fumes and smoke in escape routes and the possibility of fire-spread into properties.

Research has indicated that within three minutes of a mobility scooter igniting, the temperature of the mobility scooter could reach 375 degrees Celsius. Due to the speed of temperature rise and rapid volumetric smoke production, occupants of a building would need to evacuate very quickly to escape unharmed. Meaning a fire involving a mobility scooter that is being stored within common exit routes, an escape corridor or stairwell could render conditions untenable in less than three minutes, since the smoke and heat will make such routes impassable and put occupants at risk. Even if combustible material is present in a room separated from escape routes, there is still a danger that any resultant fire could eventually threaten the escape of occupants.

3.4 The policy will establish procedures for the safe use, storage and charging of powered mobility equipment. This is not designed to inconvenience users of mobility equipment in any way, but to reduce the risk of a fire starting and spreading within North Ayrshire Council flats, communal areas and sheltered housing.

4.1 Should someone wish to store the powered mobility equipment somewhere other than a scooter store, then permission should be sought if a structure is required to be erected.

4.2 Permission should be requested via the online permission form, to alter your home, and will be treated in the same way as any other permission request, tenants can also email permissions@north-ayrshire.gov.uk direct and request a form. This is covered in section 2.12 of the tenancy agreement, and we will not refuse the request unreasonably.

4.3 We may grant permission with conditions that would include requirements regarding the standard of the work. Within 10.2 of the tenancy agreement provides more details about this procedure.

4.4 The council reserves the right to withdraw permission to store powered mobility equipment at any time if any tenant does not adhere to this policy. The tenant will be asked to remove the equipment immediately, and potentially permanently.

4.5 A copy of this policy will also be issued when a request for permission is received, to ensure the applicant understands the requirements.

5.1 Powered mobility equipment owners must ensure any manufacturer guidelines or instructions on the safe charging are followed.

5.2 Powered mobility equipment owners should not leave these on charge overnight to reduce the risk of fire overnight.

5.3 Equipment must be charged directly from the mains electrical supply. Extension leads should not be used when charging any powered mobility equipment.

5.4 Combustible and flammable items must not be near powered mobility equipment while they are being charged for example, keep plenty of air around them.

5.5 Mobile scooters, e-bikes, and other electric mobility equipment must be unplugged and must not be charged overnight or while sleeping during the day.

5.6 Equipment owners are responsible for ensuring that the equipment is secure, tidy and does not pose a trip hazard, any concerns should be reported to the council immediately.

6.1 Where North Ayrshire Council has provided purpose-built storage (scooter stores) for powered mobility equipment, within sheltered units, these will be on a first come first use basis and should only be used to accommodate powered mobility equipment. Any other items left within the scooter store may be removed and disposed of.

6.2 Powered mobility equipment is left at the residents own risk, and tenants are responsible for ensuring their battery charger is switched off and unplugged once the battery has been fully charged.

6.3 Powered mobility equipment and batteries must only be stored and charged within the scooter store and not in any other place within the sheltered housing unit.

6.4 Batteries should not be charged overnight.

6.5 Combustible items for example, bags must not be left next to mobile scooters or batteries while they are charging.

6.6 Separate electrical equipment for example, additional charging equipment, must not be located near the powered mobility equipment or batteries while they are being charged.

6.7 Tenants must not park or store powered mobility equipment or battery packs in corridors within the sheltered unit, as they could pose a potential fire risk and may restrict rescue services.

6.8 Only where there is no space available in the scooter store, should battery powered mobility equipment be safely stored within the residents’ communal lounge where there is enough space, and it is safe to do so. Battery powered mobility equipment must be stored within the scooter rooms where enough space is available. Where it is not safe to store the battery powered mobility equipment in a communal lounge area the resident should contact their Housing Officer to discuss alternative arrangements. Fire doors must be kept in their operational condition for example, closed, and free from obstruction at all times.

6.9 Tenants must carry out an annual Portable Appliance Test on batteries, cables, battery packs and chargers and maintain the powered mobility equipment in line with the manufacturer’s guidance, at their own expense. During the Portable Appliance Test the tester should also ensure that the battery meets UK requirements and has the appropriate markings. A copy of the Portable Appliance Test should be provided to North Ayrshire Council.

6.10 Power leads or cables must never cause a trip hazard or be trailed across floors.

6.11 Any tenant advised to move a powered mobility equipment or battery from an area that is deemed unsafe must do so immediately and failure to comply will be considered a breach of tenancy agreement, and action may be taken to remove the scooter and the tenant re-charged.

7.1 Where there is no scooter store within a sheltered unit residents should, store and charge their powered mobility equipment safely within the communal lounge. Powered mobility equipment should be stored carefully in communal lounge areas, behind fire doors. Where this is not feasible, and electric powered equipment needs to be left in a corridor, the battery pack must be removed and charged within the home. Electric powered equipment should not be charged in corridors, and if found to be charging, will be unplugged. The Tenant must also ensure their electric powered equipment is not blocking any communal fire exits or escape routes.

7.2 Tenants who charge batteries in their homes must ensure the battery pack, including when being charged does not impede or block fire exits, halls, front or rear doors.

Battery packs must be located away from combustible items at all times.

7.3 Batteries must not be left charging overnight.

Battery packs must only be charged when the resident(s) are awake and not sleeping or napping.

7.4 Tenants must carry out an annual Portable Appliance Test on batteries, cables, battery packs and chargers and maintain the powered mobility equipment in line with the manufacturer’s guidance, at their own expense. During the Portable Appliance Test the tester should also ensure that the battery meets UK requirements and has the appropriate markings. A copy of the Portable Appliance Test should be provided to North Ayrshire Council.

7.5 Any tenant advised to move powered mobility equipment or a battery from an area that is deemed unsafe must do so immediately and failure to comply will be considered a breach of tenancy agreement, and action may be taken to remove the scooter and the tenant recharged.

8.1 Where it is believed that electric powered equipment is not being used, or is abandoned in the scooter store, or other communal area, a letter should be placed on the scooter, asking the owner to contact their Housing Officer within 14 days. The Housing Officer must ensure the scooter is unplugged.

8.2 If contact is made, the owner of the electric powered equipment should be encouraged to remove the equipment from the scooter store, or communal area, at their own expense, if it is not being used. Where the owner is unable to remove the equipment, a disclaimer should be signed allowing North Ayrshire Council to remove and dispose of the equipment and the owner re-charged accordingly.

8.3 If there is no contact after 14 days, all tenants within the sheltered unit, should be written to, enclosing a picture of the electric powered equipment, asking the owner to make contact, within a further 14 days. Should there be no response the equipment should be removed from the scooter store or communal area and disposed of.

8.4 Where a tenant terminates their tenancy or passes away and electric powered equipment is left at the property, within a scooter store or communal area, the tenant or their next of kin should be contacted, where possible, and explain that the equipment will be disposed of and a recharge will be applied, unless it is removed prior to handing in the keys for the property.

9.1 Managers and staff involved in the implementation of the Policy will receive a copy of the policy including: Team Managers, Area Managers, Senior Housing Officers, Housing Officers, and Estate Officers, North Ayrshire Council Members, Building Services, Property Management and Investment and Health and Social Care Partnership.

9.2 North Ayrshire Council will provide sufficient training to enable staff to understand and comply with the Policy.

9.3 A copy of the Policy will be accessible from North Ayrshire Council’s internet site.

9.4 Any amendments to the Policy will be communicated, in a timely manner, to managers and staff involved in implementing the policy.

10.1 The policy will be communicated to customers using the following methods:

• North Ayrshire Network – Tenants group
• Irvine Seniors Forum
• Articles in News in Brief
• Sheltered Housing Meetings
• North Ayrshire Council’s website
• Social Media (Facebook and X)