Product safety

Buy Safe, Be Safe Campaign

Raising awareness of the dangers associated with e-bikes, e-scooters, their batteries, chargers and home conversion kits.

E-bikes offer people an eco-friendly, affordable and convenient mode of transport, enabling more people to cycle and support their health and wellbeing. E-scooters can be used on private land but should not be used on public roads unless they are part of an official rental trial.

While most e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries are safe when used correctly, lithium-ion batteries can cause serious fires, particularly if of poor quality, when damaged or improperly used. There has been an increase in the number of fires in the UK and around the world linked to lithium-ion batteries, some of which have sadly led to people losing their lives.

The cause of fires

Unsafe, non-compliant or improperly used lithium-ion batteries can cause fires that can be particularly dangerous to people and property. The fires can start without warning, spread rapidly, and are very hard to extinguish. People should never try to extinguish lithium-ion battery fires themselves but leave the area or building as quickly as possible and call 999.

E-bikes and e-scooters are used safely by millions of people every day, however, the risk of fire increases if they are:

non-compliant (e.g. don’t meet safety rules)
counterfeit
damaged
poorly manufactured
used with an incompatible charger
modified or repaired with non-compatible parts e.g. chargers, motor and battery

Source: Buy Safe, Be Safe: avoid e-bike and e-scooter fires - GOV.UK

If you own an e-bike or e-scooter or are thinking of purchasing one for yourself or someone else, please take note of this Important Safety Message from the UK’s national product regulator, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).

E-bikes and e-scooters use large lithium-ion batteries which can present a risk of serious fire or explosion in certain circumstances. While these can be used safely, there have been a number of fire incidents involving lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters, including in conversion kits.

OPSS recommends you follow these five steps when purchasing, using or charging your e-bike or e-scooter to reduce fire risks:

Step 1: RESEARCH – only BUY an e-bike, e-scooter, charger or battery from a known seller and check any product reviews
Step 2: READ – always READ and FOLLOW the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using e-bikes or e-scooters
Step 3: CHECK – not all e-bike or e-scooter batteries and chargers are compatible or safe when used together. Check and only USE the manufacturer’s recommended battery or charger
Step 4: CHARGE – always charge in a safe place without blocking exits and always UNPLUG your charger when you have finished charging
Step 5: NEVER – attempt to modify or tamper with your battery

Graham Russell, Chief Executive of OPSS said:

“As the popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters increases we have seen more tragic fires in homes where e-bikes or e-scooters are charging. We are stepping up our actions to tackle the sale of unsafe e-bikes and e-scooters but it’s important to remember that manufacturers only assure their e-bikes and e-scooters are safe when used in line with their instructions. I would urge consumers to follow these five steps to reduce risks to their families and homes.”

Source: Government Safety Message on e-bikes and e-scooters - GOV.UK

Here’s a basic checklist of looking after your e-bike/e-scooter

· Only use the correct charger for your battery

· Always unplug your charger when fully charged and keep it in a cool place

· Stop using your charger or battery immediately if you notice it overheating, deforming, making hissing or cracking noises, smelling, smoking or performing poorly

DON’T

· Don’t overcharge your product and remove the charger if fully charged

· Don’t leave your device charging unattended or when you are asleep

· Don’t charge or store your battery in the hallway or where it could block escape routes

Source: Buy Safe, Be Safe: avoid e-bike and e-scooter fires - GOV.UK