Shetland Islands Council has introduced a ban on the indoor storage and charging of electric bikes and scooters across its premises following growing concerns about lithium ion battery fires.
The precautionary measure applies to all buildings owned, managed or occupied by the council including schools and community facilities.
Officials said the decision follows national fire safety concerns linked to incidents where lithium ion batteries in e bikes and e scooters have caught fire.
Such fires can escalate quickly and pose a serious risk in occupied buildings.
The council said there are currently no suitable facilities within its buildings designed to safely store or charge these devices.
Where demand is identified the authority said it will explore the possibility of installing appropriate external storage and charging facilities that meet fire safety standards.
The new rule specifically relates to the risks associated with lithium ion batteries being stored or charged indoors.
E bikes will still be permitted on council property but must be stored outside.
They must be kept at least ten metres away from buildings, waste areas, smoking zones, combustible materials and other valuable assets.
Shetland Islands Council stressed that the decision does not represent a shift away from its support for active travel.
The authority said it continues to encourage walking and cycling as healthy and sustainable ways for people to travel across the islands.
Carl Symons, Executive Manager for Environment and Estate Operations at Shetland Islands Council, said:
“The safety of our residents, pupils, staff and visitors is our absolute priority.
“While incidents are relatively rare, lithium ion battery fires can develop quickly and are difficult to extinguish.
“Considering national fire safety concerns, we have taken the precautionary step of prohibiting indoor storage and charging of e bikes and e scooters across our premises.”
The council said it will continue monitoring national guidance on lithium ion battery safety while considering future infrastructure options.
