Fireproof way out in explosive growth of mobility scooters

Mobility scooters cause a lot of headaches in residential buildings. Each year, several dozen of these vehicles go up in smoke. A spectacular growth in the number of vehicles is expected to make the problem even more acute. What is allowed in residential buildings and what is not, is the big question that occupies many building owners, owner-occupiers' associations and architects. The Building Decree does not provide any ready-made answers. We have compiled a number of recommendations from the competent authority. You can download our Whitepaper regarding Mobility scooters here: whitepaper 2023.

Recent studies by the fire brigade and the Dutch Institute for Road Safety Research (SWOV) have calculated that the number of mobility scooters is growing explosively.

In 2003, there were an estimated 115,000 scooters in the Netherlands, 2018 counted 300,000 scooters and in 2030 there will probably be around 600,000 mobility scooters driving around in the Netherlands. Or rather: they are parked. In fact, most of the vehicles are located near the owners' homes on a daily basis. This is not without danger. Residential buildings in particular are not always prepared for the fire risk posed by mobility scooters. This is a considerable challenge for building managers, owner-occupiers' associations and architects, among others. Fortunately, there are some ways out.

Five foam mattresses
Mobility scooters consist largely of plastic, foam rubber and electronics, together accounting for 600 to 1000 Megajoules of calorific value. For comparison: that's about as much as four or five foam mattresses. And that fire is no exception is proven by the many dozens of incidents reported each year. The combination of fire and toxic dense smoke in a residential building creates life-threatening situations. Charging and stalling are the main problems. Faulty chargers, unsuitable charging points and overheating batteries easily place mobility scooters on the list of serious risks.

Storage in traffic areas
Due to the increase in the number of mobility scooters, parking is an even bigger problem than the technical hazards. Because what is a suitable place for them? Scooter owners depend on their vehicle for mobility, even in the residential building itself. The house itself is usually not suitable to place a mobility scooter. Storage in the storeroom has serious drawbacks for people with physical disabilities: A large walking distance between home and storage and the often poor accessibility of the storage with the cumbersome mobility scooters. In the absence of dedicated mobility scooter spaces, some of the vehicles therefore end up on, for example, galleries or in other communal traffic areas.

What you can and cannot do
Owner-occupiers' associations and fire departments are not keen on this development, for understandable reasons.

• The presence of mobility scooters increases the risk of fire and of dangerous situations in the event of a fire. In traffic areas that serve as escape routes, mobility scooters can be an obstacle.
• In the event of fire or other calamities, they can obstruct escape and extinguishing operations.

Various articles of the Building Decree are extremely clear about what is and is not allowed in traffic areas. Essentially, objects that burn easily or pose a fire risk are not permitted without additional measures. The decree also contains chapters on both fire safety and the ability to escape safely in the event of a fire. The competent authority can thus weigh both aspects in its decision-making.

The fire brigade has has drawn up a practical guide.
The most important points in a nutshell:

• Storage of mobility scooters is permitted on one side of the traffic route only.
• Over the entire length of the gallery, a minimum width of 1.2 metres should remain.
• No mobility scooter may be stored within 1.5 metres of the exits to the stairwell, the fire lift and in the stairwell.
• Storing in halls or in other enclosed parts of the escape routes is in principle forbidden and only allowed if there is equivalent safety. This also applies to enclosed spaces directly adjacent to dwellings.
• Mobility scooters may be stored in a designated area which is fireproof and separated from the traffic route.

Alternatives for structural fire safety
There are several possible solutions for making the presence of mobility scooters in residential buildings fire-safe.
If traffic areas are not calculated to allow a remaining free passage of at least 1.2 metres next to the mobility scooter, the number of options is limited. One of these is the installation of special fireproof rooms for mobility scooters. Important questions in that process are:

• The number of storage places in relation to the number of dwellings.
• The accessibility for the fire brigade and residents.
• The size.
• Offered safety of protective products.
• Number and type of charging points, power supply and ventilation.

Hoefnagels Fire Safety is active in the full width of structural fire safety. We advise on fire safety and maintain contacts with municipal authorities. We find and assess solutions on their equivalence if required. We also develop, produce and install fire-resistant facilities. For example, our fire-resistant roller screens can close off separate siding and loading areas for a solution with maximum fire safety. The total concept also includes inspection, service and maintenance of the fire-resistant facilities that we or third parties have installed.

Welcome addition
The responsibility for fire safety lies primarily with the building owner and the users. Architects play a very important role in the development of fire safety. Cooperation with a qualified partner such as Hoefnagels Fire Safety is probably a welcome addition.

If you would first like advice on the safety situation or an on-site check, you can ask your question through this form: question regarding mobility scooters.