Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that store a lot of energy for their size, which is why they power phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes and e-scooters. Safe in normal use, a damaged or faulty one can overheat and catch fire, and that is why storage agreements limit them.
At Wigwam
The common case: a few laptops are fine. You can store up to ten items with built-in batteries, free of visible damage, not stacked and with air around them. Power banks and portable chargers can't be stored at all.
Clause 20 of our terms says you must not store in any unit:
- "(a) any Lithium ion batteries exceeding a watt-hour (Wh) rating of 160 Wh unless they are built-in and cannot be removed from the otherwise permitted Goods";
- "(b) portable battery chargers, power banks or any similar portable power source";
- "(c) more than five (5) E-Scooters, E-Bikes, E-Skateboards or any similar battery-powered vehicles, unless the battery has been removed and is not being stored in the Unit";
- "(d) more than ten (10) laptops, tablet computers, children's toys or other similar items containing built-in batteries."
The 160Wh test turns on whether the battery can be removed, not whether it's fitted. A removable e-bike battery rated over 160Wh can't be stored, even clipped into the bike. A built-in one that can't be taken out can stay.
Loose batteries of 160Wh or less, such as spare power-tool packs, aren't caught by 20(a), and clause 20 sets no limit on how many. Whether a spare pack counts as a "similar portable power source" under 20(b) isn't spelled out, so if you want to store loose packs, or hold them as stock, ask us first on 0800 2545585.
Clause 20.1 says goods with built-in batteries must be "free from visible physical defect or fault" and "not stacked and are stored allowing air circulation". It adds: "We recommend all batteries are stored with the lowest practical charge", which is advice, not a rule. The terms don't say how "not stacked" applies to boxed stock, such as cartons of laptops or toys, so ask us on 0800 2545585 before you stack cartons of battery goods. Clause 20.2 makes you liable under clause 32 for any breach.
What to check
Find the watt-hour rating on the battery or in the manual. If it shows only volts and milliamp-hours, multiply them and divide by 1,000 (36V × 14,000mAh = 504Wh). Tool packs often show volts and amp-hours instead: multiply those directly, so an 18V 5Ah pack is 18 × 5 = 90Wh, under the 160Wh line.
GOV.UK's battery safety guidance says the fire risk is highest with counterfeit, damaged or poorly modified batteries.
Related terms: Hazardous goods · Stock storage · Contents protection
Related questions: Can I store an electric bike, e-scooter or lithium batteries in a storage unit? · Can I store a mobility scooter in a storage unit?