A warning has been issued over the storage of mobility scooters.

Residents in West Dunbartonshire are being urged not to store their scooters in entrances, hallways and bin stores as they could pose a fire hazard.

The local council say the storage of the machines in these areas has been highlighted as a fire safety issue.

The issue has been raised by West Dunbartonshire Council's Fire Risk Officer and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

Due to this, the local authority has introduced guidance on how electric scooters should be stored and charged.

On top of that, the council has also amended its tenancy agreements to include information about safe storage.

The advice is being provided to tenants with a class three mobility scooter, as these are larger than class two scooters and more difficult to keep in individual properties. 

The SFRS, under their enforcement powers, already inform residents that they should not store or charge scooters in any common parts of a building as they can be a hazard within escape routes.

They also recommend it is good practice for residents to receive home fire safety visits, which has been incorporated in the council’s updated guidance. 

Meanwhile, the local authority has already begun working with the small number of tenants who have a class three scooter, and updated guidance has been discussed with West Dunbartonshire Tenants and Residents Organisation (WDTRO) and sheltered housing residents. 

Storing of equipment in communal areas also applies to electric scooters, e-bikes, bikes, motorcycles and prams. 

Convener of Housing and Communities, Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, said: “We recognise how important mobility scooters can be in helping people retain their independence, but it is vitally important that these are stored and charged in a responsible way which keeps everyone safe at home. 

“That is why the guidance has been updated so that this equipment is not at risk of posing a hazard.”  

Vice Convener of Housing and Communities, Councillor Hazel Sorrell, added: “The Council will work with tenants on finding an appropriate solution for storing mobility scooters which are essential in ensuring people can continue to get out and about.

"Tenants can also get a free fire safety visit from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service which will assist them in ensuring they are compliant with the guidance.”