Ban on taking e-scooters on LVB buses and trains from May

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.

The issue is also of concern to Dresden's public transport company (DVB). However, no final decision has yet been made in the state capital. "We are aware of the incidents in other European cities and will carry out an analysis of potential dangers for our passengers with the involvement of experts and the fire department," a spokesperson said in response to an inquiry. The company is in contact with other transport companies and also with the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV), which has spoken out in favor of banning e-scooters on public transport.