Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what health and safety measures fast food delivery companies are required to put in place to ensure employees carrying out deliveries on their behalf are charging their e-scooters and bikes safely.

E-bikes provided by employers for use at work are classed as work equipment and employers should provide a charging unit recommended by the manufacturer; They should assess and manage the risks from e-bikes and chargers. Employers should make sure workers have the knowledge they need to use and maintain e-bikes safely, including giving them the information they need, e.g. manufacturer’s instructions, operating manuals and training courses. They should also check workers’ understanding of the information provided.

Where an employer is providing charging facilities at their workplace to charge any e-bikes then they have a duty to ensure the chargers appear safe to use, facilities are suitably designed and situated, and instructions provided.

In addition, the Health and Safety Executive have published guidance on the safe use of batteries, available at https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg139.pdf. The guidance includes advice to follow the battery manufacturer’s instructions on charging and to always use a dedicated, well-ventilated charging area.