information on battery failure in personal electronic vehicles
Request ID: FOI-2489-2122 Date published: 10 February 2022
You asked
On 09 December 2021, TFL banned all e-scooters and e-unicycles from TFL networks and vehicles, citing safety concerns. However, very little information was provided. Could you please provide:
1. How many personal electric transport vehicles TFL witnessed experiencing dangerous battery failure, 2. The nature of the battery failure 3. The make and model of the vehicle in each case, and 4. The make and model of battery in each case
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2489-2122
Thank you again for your request which we received on 30 January 2022.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked:
1. How many personal electric transport vehicles (e-scooters & e-unicycles) TFL witnessed experiencing dangerous battery failure 2. The nature of the battery failure 3. The make and model of the vehicle in each case, and 4. The make and model of battery in each case
Two fires occurred on the TfL network in 2021. One involved an e-scooter, the other an e-unicycle. The investigation into the fires was carried out by the London Fire Brigade (LFB), which confirmed that both fires were caused by defective lithium-ion batteries where a cell had ruptured causing adjacent cells to rupture.
Details of the makes and models concerned (as provided to us by the LFB) are below. In each case, we have not been provided with any details of the battery:
Parsons Green London Underground station fire on 01 November 2021 (e-scooter) Appliance Manufacturer: Not known Model: Not known
Stanmore London Underground station fire on 26 October 2021 (e-unicycle) Appliance Manufacturer: Kebye Model: Not known
The LFB provided information on e-scooter battery fires for Mayor’s questions in December 2021, which can be accessed via the following link: https://www.london.gov.uk/questions/2021/4526
TfL has worked with media outlets to publicise the ban and as a result it has been extensively reported on television and radio, as well as in the press and on social media. In doing so, we have sought to highlight the concerns over e-scooter and e-unicycle battery safety, particularly with regard to the toxic smoke that is emitted when these batteries ignite (see our press release issued at the time). In addition to this media activity, we have sent an email to all registered Oyster card holders advising of the ban, and at stations we have made – and continue to make – regular announcements on the public address system that complement the posters detailing the prohibition.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
