The Electrical Safety Roundtable supports the new Government safety campaign concerning the dangers of buying unsafe e-bikes and e-scooters. We are pleased to see the Department for Business and Trade take action with the new campaign, ‘Buy Safe, Be Safe’ which was launched on October 24.
While e-bikes and e-scooters can be a quick, cheap and greener alternative method of travel, a key concern is consumers buying unregulated and unsafe products bought online such as faulty lithium-ion batteries. Buying unsafe products online can pose a significant danger to consumers and risk of causing a fire.
The campaign addresses these concerns by urging consumers to buy safe e-bikes and e-scooters and avoid rogue online sellers. It’s encouraging consumers to only buy safe products from reputable sellers, only replace items with products recommended by the manufacturer and to seek professional help when converting or repairing e-bikes and e-scooters.
It comes after the new Product Regulation and Metrology Bill was published on September 4. The Bill addresses product regulations in the UK, consumer safety and helping to further grow the economy.
It will allow the UK to respond to modern challenges, such as the fire risk associated with such products as e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries. It most recently had its second reading in the House of Lords on October 8.
It is encouraging to see significant steps being taken by the Government to address the risk and dangers of buying unsafe e-bikes, e-scooters and components. The Electrical Safety Roundtable urges our participants to support the campaign and share resources with consumers raise awareness of the risks associated with buying unsafe products online.
Take steps to reduce the risk of 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.
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: Making changes to your e-bike or e-scooter
- Converting a bike to an e-bike: Only use a competent professional to convert a pedal bike to an e-bike.
- Use manufacturer recommended replacement parts: Only use manufacturer recommended e-bike and e-scooter replacement parts, chargers, and batteries.
- Repairs: If you need to repair your e-bike or e-scooter, always get a professional to carry out the work.
- Don’t tamper with the battery: Never attempt to modify or tamper with your battery.
Read the ‘Buy Safe, Be Safe’ campaign here
Further guidance and resources:
London Fire Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign here for further information on buying safely, how to store your product safely and best practice for charging.
OPSS has previously banned certain unsafe e-bike batteries from the UK market. Find out what you should do if you have, or think you have, one of the affected UPP-branded batteries.
OPSS and local regulators identify and remove unsafe and non-compliant e-bikes, e-scooters, batteries and chargers from the market where they are identified. Search our Product Safety Reports, Recalls and Alerts website for products that have been subject to a report, alert or recall.
Read detailed guidance from the Department of Transport on battery safety for e-cycle / e-bike and e-scooter users.
You can also read about how to keep your home safe when charging your e-bike or e-scooter on the Fire England website
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