Landlords are being invited to learn more about the safe storage and maintenance of light e-vehicles, such as e-scooters, following a reported increase in fires involving them at Gloucestershire properties.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) is hosting a free workshop at its SkillZONE safety education centre in Gloucester on Wednesday 10 September 2025, at which landlords and property managers can learn what they can do to reduce the risk for tenants and their properties.
It comes with the fire service seeing an increase in lithium-ion battery operated units being involved in fires, amid the rising popularity of e-scooters and e-bikes in the UK.
As most older properties 'simply weren't constructed' with the modern devices in mind, the fire service says that shortcomings in safe storage provisions, along with neglect of optimum maintenance, 'will only exacerbate' fire safety concerns and enable risks to personal and building safety.
While tenants may already be aware of safe storage practices, GFRS says they 'simply cannot' assume the risk for themselves, with landlords obligated under the Fire Safety Order to ensure that tenants in rented dwellings are not exposed to fire risks.
Through the all-day workshop, landlords will explore e-vehicle safety and maintenance with a case study and fire safety talk; exhibits and activities with local emergency services, UK charity Electrical Safety First, Gloucestershire Highways and Gloucester City Council's private sector housing team; and a Q&A and networking with the GFRS team.
There will be coffee served on arrival and attendees can also get a tour of the SkillZONE centre at the end of the day, too.
For more information and to book free tickets for the workshop, visit eventbrite.co.uk/e-vehicle-safety-workshop-tickets.
