E-Bike Battery Charging and Storage Guidelines for Students and Staff

September 2, 2025

As the use of E-Bikes by staff and students increases and to avoid the risk of fire associated with their lithium batteries, four E-Bike charging stands have been installed at Glasney Village, Penryn Campus.

Lithium battery fires, although rare, can be catastrophic. FX Plus and its partner Universities fully support and actively encourage the use of E-Bikes by staff, students, and visitors anywhere on campus, but the following must be observed to reduce the risks of fire to any of the buildings.

E-Bikes and Detachable Batteries Prohibited in Buildings

Due to the associated fire risks, E-Bikes and their detachable batteries must not be taken into any campus buildings, especially accommodation blocks.

Parking and Storage of E-Bikes on Campus

All electric bikes must be parked within the designated bike racks provided around our campuses. These areas are positioned an appropriate distance away from our buildings. Under no circumstances may an electric bike be parked where they are liable to cause obstruction or danger, be attached to fences, railings, at entrances or by external escape routes of buildings.

E-Bike Charging on Campus

Penryn Campus

E-Bike battery charging facilities are now available at Penryn campus. They are located in Glasney Village, outside Glasney View block E, in the bike store. They are accessed by key which can be signed out at Glasney Lodge Reception with your University ID card. The battery can be placed in the locker to charge or remain attached to your bike while it is secured to the stand. The key must be returned within 12 hours otherwise a late charge of £25 will be applied as this prevents the locker being used by another person. If a key is lost, a charge to replace the lock and the keys will apply.

The E-Bike charging facilities at Penryn Campus are for the priority use of students living on campus. It is expected that members of staff will sufficiently charge their electric bikes so that they are able to cycle to and from campus.

Falmouth Campus

At this time, you are unable to charge your electric bike at Falmouth Campus. In line with our Green Travel Strategy, this is something we plan to change in the future. However, until there is resource available to increase the provision of E-Bike charging facilities, staff and students are politely asked to charge their E-Bikes at home. We appreciate this is frustrating and thank you for your patience whilst we continue to work on a solution.

Failure to Observe E-Bike, Battery and Storage Guidelines

E-Bikes must be managed appropriately – Where possible, any E-Bike owners in breach of the guidelines shall be asked in the first instance to comply. Any E-Bikes that are left in such a way as to cause or lead to an obstruction to any emergency exit, escape route or access point will be removed by Safety and Support Staff or any member of staff acting in their authority.

Responsibilities of E-Bike Ownership and Insurance

The owners of E-Bikes are responsible for ensuring that they maintain their bikes in a safe and road worthy manner. Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the E-Bike owner to have insurance to cover against any damage caused by a potential Lithium-Ion battery fire.

E-Bike Operators Beryl Bikes – Cornwall Campuses

Staff, students and visitors are encouraged to use the E-Bikes available via the Beryl Bike network. This is an affordable, fun, and sustainable way to get around Falmouth and Penryn. Beryl electric bikes must always be returned to the docking stations provided and should never be left in any other campus location. These locations are designated areas for safe charging, parking, and storage. In line with the guidance above, Beryl electric bikes must not be taken into any campus buildings, especially accommodation blocks. For safety, please ensure you wear a helmet when cycling.

E-Scooters Prohibited

Please note that FX Plus and its University Partners DO NOT permit the use, storage or charging of E-Scooters anywhere on the Cornwall campuses by staff, students, contractors, or visitors. Any such item found on the Cornwall Campuses will be removed by the Safety and Support Team, Health & Safety Team, Residencies Support Team or any member of staff acting on their authority.