Charging/storage of mobility scooters, care homes/ sheltered housing

[kurnal]

Increased availability of electric wheelchairs and scooters leads to their being parked up and charged in convenient corners of escape routes in care homes - corridors and staircases. Where there really is no alternative accommodation for them we need to evaluate the risk.
Is anyone aware of any studies into the volume of hydrogen gas evolved during charging of these things- they usually have sealed lead acid gel cells about 24- 60 amp hour depending on the model. Then theres the fire risk from the charger and how that may be minimised- the  use of an RCD will not be of benefit for the most likely faults that may arise on the low voltage side of the system.
Finally the risk of obstruction to the means of escape- I have seen three of these on one upper floor all jammed into the disabled refuge.

Anybody got any thoughts please?

[jokar]

A difficult scenario for us all, those nice guidance documents suggest an FR enclosure if there is space to alleviate all these things.  The question remains about charging and fumes in an enclosed space.

[Graeme]

not only are they a danger to pedestrians with their battery powered go carts but now a fire risk.

bring back the zimmer frame.

[Paul]

Kurnal,

I did something along the same lines.  I wrote the company who manufactures the batteries.  If I remember I think it was Chloride who were most helpful and supplied me with a list of calculations.

Not sure who supplies batteries for these powered shopping trollies but may be worth a shot.

[Peter]

I have investigated a scooter on fire behind a front door as a result of an arson attack - rescues from 1st floor windows resulted, together with severe fire/smoke damage to the hallway.
Whilst you cant blame the scooter for the incident, it gave a lesson in the potential hazard once ignited.