Consumers in Gedling borough are being urged to avoid buying e-bikes and e-scooters from rogue online sellers because of the risk of deadly fires.
A new safety campaign has been launched today (24) to raise awareness about the dangers of buying faulty and unsafe e-bikes, e-scooters and components such as batteries.
The Department for Business & Trade’s new “Buy Safe, Be Safe” campaign has been set up to urge the public to buy safe e-bikes and e-scooters and avoid rogue online sellers.
Unsafe e-bikes have resulted in hundreds of deadly fires and injured dozens of people across the UK.
London Fire Brigade said it attended 143 e-bike fires and 36 e-scooter blazes last year, causing a total of three deaths and leaving around 60 people injured.
Products sold which do not meet UK safety standards have been found to be more at risk of exploding and catching fire, particularly when being charged.
Many of the fires were caused by parts incompatible with e-bikes and scooters, as well as the purchase of defective or poorly manufactured parts sold by rogue online sellers.
Fires involving lithium batteries – which are used for e-bikes and e-scooters – can spread rapidly and produce a toxic vapour.
The new campaign wants to encourage consumers to only buy safe products from reputable sellers, only replace items with products recommended by the manufacturer and finally to seek professional help when converting or repairing e-bikes and e-scooters.
Product safety minister Justin Madders said: “E-bikes can be a great way to travel around, but we’ve all seen the tragic stories of unsafe e-bikes and e-scooters causing dangerous fires and taking lives.
“That’s why we’re urging everyone to check what you’re buying, check where you’re buying it from and ensure it’s safe to use.”
Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood warned that rogue sellers not only risk bringing defective and dangerous batteries into people’s homes, but undermine confidence in active travel as a whole.
He said: “I’m delighted that we are launching this campaign to make sure that people have peace of mind buying e-bikes and e-scooters from reliable sources.”
Under current laws, e-scooters are banned on public land from use except in Government rental trial areas, while e-bikes are legal to use across the country but must not exceed an output of 250 watts or travel faster than 15.5 mph.
The campaign comes off the back of wider efforts to tackle dangerous goods being sold in online marketplaces. In September, the Government unveiled the new Product Regulation and Metrology Bill aimed at allowing the UK to take charge of its product regulations.
The Bill will also address the sharp rise in safety concerns around e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries and how they are sold via online marketplaces. The Bill will hold sellers and the online marketplaces to account if they fail to meet their responsibilities.
Take steps to reduce the risk of e-scooter fires
If you own an e-bike or e-scooter, or are thinking about buying one, you should follow the steps below so you can enjoy these products safely and reduce the risk of fires.
Buying an e-bike or e-scooter
- Do your research: Buy your e-bike or e-scooter from trusted sellers and look at reviews first. Products sold to UK consumers must meet UK safety laws: check whether the seller provides information about how they comply.
- Compliance marks: Look for the UKCA or CE mark on e-bikes and e-scooters which is required by UK product safety regulations.
Looking after your e-bike or e-scooter
- Follow the instructions and guidelines: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage, charging, and maintenance. If instructions are missing, check the manufacturer’s website for guidance. Always follow the safety and usage instructions provided.
- Charge safely: Charge your battery in a safe location that does not block fire escape routes or exits. Do not cover the charger or battery. Charge when you are awake and present, not when you are asleep or away from home. Unplug once the battery is fully charged.
- Check compatibility: Make sure your charger is suitable for your battery, as not all e-bike or e-scooter batteries and chargers are safe when used together. Connecting the wrong charger to a battery can pose serious fire risks.
