Yes, within limits. You can store up to five e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards or similar battery-powered vehicles in a unit, or more if their batteries are removed and kept somewhere else. The battery is the part to check: a lithium-ion battery over 160Wh can only be stored if it's built in and can't be removed. So if your bike's battery comes out and is rated over 160Wh, it can't go in the unit, even clipped into the bike: store the bike without it and keep the battery with you. Power banks and portable chargers can't be stored at all, and you can't charge anything in the unit.
The rules at a glance
These come straight from our storage terms (clause 20):
| Item | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| E-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards and similar | Up to 5 per unit. More only if the batteries are removed and not stored in the unit |
| Loose lithium-ion batteries of 160Wh or less | Yes |
| Lithium-ion batteries over 160Wh | Only if built in and not removable. A removable one can't be stored, even fitted in the bike |
| Power banks, portable battery chargers and similar power sources | No |
| Laptops, tablets, children's toys and similar with built-in batteries | Up to 10 per unit |
The watt-hour (Wh) rating is usually printed on the battery or given in the manual. E-bike batteries vary, so check yours. If it's removable and rated over 160Wh, it can't be stored in the unit, even clipped into the bike: keep it at home, or with you if you're between homes. A built-in battery that can't be taken out can stay in the bike. If you're not sure which yours is, call us on 0800 2545585 before you bring it.
Keeping the battery with you also answers the charging question: you can look after it where you can charge it, and the bike stays in the unit.
If you're moving house, count everything with a battery before it's packed. The ten-item limit covers laptops, tablets, children's toys "or other similar items containing built-in batteries", and the terms don't list every item that counts. If a move means a lot of battery-powered things, ask us before you pack them.
Getting it ready
Our terms require anything stored with a built-in battery to be:
- free of visible damage or faults. Don't store a battery that's swollen, cracked, leaking or has been in an accident;
- not stacked, with room for air to circulate around it.
The terms also recommend storing batteries at the lowest practical charge. That's a recommendation, not a rule. Your battery's maker may give a storage charge level for long stays; where it does, follow the manual.
Beyond the terms, it's sensible to:
- clean and dry the bike or scooter, and take off any accessories that could be knocked;
- store it upright on its stand or against a wall, away from boxes of paper, fabric or anything flammable;
- charge it before it goes in and after you collect it, never in the unit. Power isn't something we offer with a unit, so plan your charging somewhere else.
Why the rules exist
Lithium-ion batteries are safe in normal use, but a damaged or faulty one can overheat and catch fire. GOV.UK's battery safety guidance for e-cycle users advises against storing or charging e-cycles near combustible or flammable materials. It also says the risk is highest with counterfeit, damaged or poorly modified e-cycles and batteries.
A storage building holds a lot of other people's belongings. Our limits keep the number of batteries in any one unit small, keep them in good condition and keep chargers out, so one faulty battery can't become everyone's problem.
What about insurance?
Your belongings must be insured while they're stored with us, through our contents protection or your own policy. E-bikes can be valuable, so check that your cover includes them and at what value before you store yours.
Storing it with us
If you're short of safe space at home for an e-bike or scooter, especially over winter, get a price online. If you're storing other outdoor kit too, our guide to off-season storage for skis, bikes and camping gear covers the rest.
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