As of yesterday (27 December 2022), the two companies became the latest train operators to introduce a ban on all e-scooters, hoverboards, and e-skateboards within stations and on train services in Greater Manchester and across the UK, as safety concerns over the risks posed by the Lithium-ion batteries that typically power these devices continue to rise.
Lithium-ion batteries can produce a vapour of toxic gases and lead to a fire or a risk of explosion if damaged or overheated, the train operators explained.
Avanti West Coast and TPE have joined several other train operators in banning these devices from this week, and this comes after Northern notably banned them on its 345 trains and at 500+ stations across the North of England at the start of this month too.
Northern said customer and staff safety was its “number one priority” when it introduced the ban.
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Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express ban all e-scooters over ‘safety concerns’ / Credit: Let’s Kick (via Unsplash)
“As these devices have become more and more popular, so have the horror stories of lithium batteries overheating and catching fire,” the train operator explained.
“Most of these devices are not actually approved for use in the UK, and our staff will refuse travel to anyone attempting to board one of our trains, or access one of our stations with such a device.”
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Avanti West Coast echoed similar concerns, and confirmed in a statement that the ban is temporary and intended to “preserve the safety of our colleagues and customers until there is greater regulation on e-scooters”, before going on to ask the public to “adhere to these new rules” and “be kind to our staff helping to enforce them”.
TPE called the risks associated with e-scooters and similar devices something of “significant concern”, and referenced the fact that most of these devices are “not approved for use in the UK”.
The safety concerns over the risks posed by the Lithium-ion batteries that typically power these devices / Credit: Michel Grolet (via Unsplash)
Currently, the only e-scooters legal to use on UK roads are those taking part in government-approved rental trial schemes – which began back in 2020 to help gather data for the potential full legalisation of the devices.
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E-scooters are actually classed as motor vehicles, which therefore means that the rules that apply to motor vehicles also apply to e-scooters – including being in possession of a full UK driving license, insurance, and the need to be taxed.
Mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, and e-bikes are all exempt from all bans.
With the bans now introduced, customers who are travelling with mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs on each of the three train providers are being advised to contact the companies ahead of their journey to arrange assistance.
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Greater Manchester’s homicide rates have now dropped to a ‘historic’ low
Emily Sergeant
Homicide rates in Greater Manchester are now at the lowest they’ve been for 25 years, according to new figures.
Thanks to a major programme introduced by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to prevent violent crime and keep communities safe, known as the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), it has been revealed that the region’s homicide rate has fallen by 32% in 2025 to what is its lowest level on record since 1990.
If you’re unfamiliar with what the VRU is, it brings together GMP, Greater Manchester Probation Service, health and education professionals, youth justice, local authorities, and the voluntary, community and faith sector to address the underlying causes of violent crime.
It’s this multi-agency approach that’s said to be delivering ‘tangible results’ and driving a reduction in violent crime in Greater Manchester.
As well as homicide rates, the VRU’s partnership work with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is also said to be having ‘major impact’ across the region on issues like knife crime.
Thanks to operational activity helping to disrupt serious violence and remove more weapons from the region’s streets, the police have also recorded that knife crime in Greater Manchester has fallen by 15% in the last year too.
Following a steady decline since 2021, rates of personal robbery have fallen by 17% in the last year in Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester’s homicide rates have now dropped to a ‘historic’ low / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Additionally, A&E attendances due to assault decreased by 3% in the same time period, with a 9% reduction among young people aged 10–24, and ambulance callouts for assault also fell by 9% in relation to this.
GMCA says that the reductions in demand for emergency services, as revealed in the latest figures, prove just how much the VRU’s combined prevention and enforcement approach is working.
“These latest figures show the real progress being made in tackling violent crime and making our streets safer,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham.
“Reductions in knife crime and homicides don’t happen by chance – they come from early intervention, our strong partnership with the police and our work with communities to tackle the root causes of violence.”
Emily Sergeant -
28th December 2022 
