Sarah Travers
A charity has advocated for regulating e-bike batteries, akin to that for fireworks, heavy machinery, or medical devices, given their potential fire risks.
A tragic incident in June resulted in the deaths of a woman and two children in a fire believed to have been triggered by an e-bike battery. It’s up to the manufacturers to self-certify that e-bike and e-scooter batteries comply with safety standards.
Electrical Safety First, a campaign group, argues that these batteries should receive independent approval before sale. According to the Cambridgeshire Fire Service, the e-bike was likely the cause of the deadly fire in June, and they are currently investigating the e-bike that was charging inside the apartment.
At the same time, the London Fire Brigade reveals they’ve been responding to e-bike battery-related fires almost daily this year. “The intense energy released in a short span when a battery catches fire is not like conventional fires,” said Electrical Safety First’s CEO Lesley Rudd.
Such a fire could ravage a room within minutes, necessitating unique strategies to address this escalating issue. Rudd advocates for UK regulations to emulate the ones established in New York City in March 2023.
This US legislation requires e-bikes, e-scooters, and their batteries to meet standards verified by a third-party expert in battery technology. “We must act swiftly to avoid further loss of life,” Rudd added.
Rudd expressed concern about reckless operators, including third-party sellers on digital platforms, who endanger the public and tarnish the reputation of responsible manufacturers.
The UK government stated that the Office for Product Safety and Standards is collaborating closely with the fire brigade to ensure product safety issues are thoroughly evaluated and consumers are protected.
London Fire Brigade warns that e-bike and e-scooter batteries can cause exceptionally intense fires if damaged or faulty, with fires spreading rapidly and potentially starting larger fires within minutes. Andrew Beaton, a resident of Lancaster, experienced this firsthand when an e-bike fire resulted in damage costs exceeding £50,000.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) also reports an alarming increase in fires involving lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes. NFCC’s prevention lead, Neil Odin, stressed the importance of greater public awareness of these risks and stricter adherence to product standards.
The NFCC also suggests several safety measures, such as not charging devices overnight, using approved batteries and chargers, and maintaining working smoke alarms.
Electrical Safety First proposed several steps to enhance safety, including regulating the battery location on e-scooters to protect it from damage, banning universal chargers to prevent overcharging, introducing standards for conversion kits, and requiring government reports on e-bike and e-scooter fires.
They also suggested a nationwide safety campaign, stricter regulation of online marketplaces, and raising the foot plate’s height on e-scooters.
The UK Bicycle Association (BA) expressed full support for these regulations. James Metcalfe, the founder of the e-bike company Volt, also welcomed any measure to increase consumer protection, noting that consumers must be educated about the potential dangers of cheap, imported batteries.
The mounting concerns around the safety of e-bike and e-scooter batteries are a critical reminder of the importance of stringent regulation and public awareness. The proactive measures proposed by Electrical Safety First, if implemented, could potentially mitigate these risks and help prevent tragic incidents. However, it is equally important that consumers are vigilant, educated, and adhere to safety guidelines while using these devices. As the popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters continues to rise, ensuring their safe usage must be a priority for manufacturers, regulators, and users alike.
