Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) are backing the new Buy Safe, Be Safe campaign launched by the Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), which promotes safe purchasing behaviours for e-bikes and e-scooters.
E-bikes are a popular eco-friendly mode of transportation that is convenient and affordable for its users. Likewise, e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular, despite being illegal to use on public roads, pavements and cycle lanes. Rental e-scooters can, however, be used in official rental e-scooter trial areas.
When used and cared for correctly, e-bikes and e-scooters are safe. However, when the lithium-ion batteries are improperly used, damaged, faulty, or of poor-quality, then they become a serious fire risk.
Gail Muirhead, West Hub Prevention Manager from RBFRS said: “In 2022 across the UK, there were 93 fires involving e-bikes or e-scooters that resulted in three fatalities. In 2023, this number increased to 199 fires, resulting in 10 fatalities.
“The most common causes of fires involving these products are buying poor-quality products from unlicensed sellers, using conversion kits to convert a pedal bike into an e-bike, and using chargers, batteries and replacement parts that are incompatible with the products.
“We are urging e-bike and e-scooter users to take care when buying chargers, batteries and replacement parts for their products. Ensure that the product comes from a trusted seller and has a visible UKCA or CE mark. Get a professional to use conversion kits if you want to turn your pedal bike into an e-bike. Finally, ensure that the batteries, chargers and replacement parts you purchase are compatible with your e-bike or e-scooter.
“You have to buy safe, to be safe”.
E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety Advice
Do:
- Only buy from trusted sellers and check the product reviews;
- Look for the UKCA or CE mark which certifies that it complies with UK product safety regulations;
- Only use manufacturer approved chargers, batteries and replacement parts;
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and follow the safety guides to ensure proper maintenance, charging and storage;
- Check your battery regularly for any signs of damage;
- Get professional guidance when converting a pedal bike into an e-bike;
- Register your e-bike or e-scooter through the manufacturer’s website, so that you are the first to know of any safety repairs or recalls. Alternatively, you can check if the products have been recalled by visiting the government’s Product Recalls and Alerts webpage.
Don’t:
- Overcharge the battery, as this could cause overheating;
- Leave your product unattended while charging or while you are asleep;
- Charge or store your e-bikes and e-scooters in bedrooms or where escape routes could be blocked, such as hallways;
- Cover chargers or battery packs whilst charging;
- Attempt repair work yourself – always get a professional;
- Use your battery or charger if you notice visible faults such as scorch marks and frayed cables, or hear hissing or cracking noises – unplug from the socket and product immediately; and
- Dispose of a damaged or end of life battery in your household waste or normal recycling.
For more safety guidance, please visit the e-bike and e-scooter page on our website.