Ports, terminals and logistics facilities are not designed to accommodate the trend towards the use of e-bikes and e-scooters.

The vulnerability of these smaller, less visible vehicles makes traffic management and the prevention of human-machine collisions much more difficult at these facilities, where terminal traffic layouts and pavement conditions were designed for large vehicles and plant, rather than for smaller, more vulnerable battery-powered personal vehicles

Risk assessment manager at insurer TT Club, Neil Dalus, said paved surfaces at terminals present particular hazards.

“Designed to withstand high volumes and heavy loads, the terminal surfaces often suffer significant wear and tear, resulting in uneven road conditions.

“For smaller wheeled battery electric vehicles, these conditions can be hazardous. Traversing rail crossing points, especially when wet and encountering spills of cargo or oils further increase the risk of accidents,” he notes. “Two-wheeled vehicles, being inherently less stable than four-wheeled vehicles, are particularly susceptible to these hazards.”

As the use of electric personal vehicles blurs the lines between different user groups within a facility, such as pedestrians, plant and handling equipment operations, TT recommends additional terminal traffic safety planning. This should include consideration of licensing, training and personal protective equipment requirements.

Further, the charging and maintenance of these vehicles can also present significant challenges. Emerging data indicates a higher risk of fire during the charging process, necessitating thorough due diligence in procurement of vehicles and their charging points. Proper fire risk assessments for the location of charging points is also vital.

“While battery-powered personal transport vehicles offer significant benefits in terms of decarbonisation and cost-effectiveness, their integration into ports, terminals and other logistics facilities however requires careful planning and consideration of risk,” Dalus added. “Addressing these issues will be crucial to achieving a balance between innovation and safety in the ongoing and rapidly developing drive to achieve a cleaner working environment in the cargo handling industry.”


Image courtesy: Port of Dover

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