Government's Product Safety Bill to address e-bike fire safety risks

This week, a number of NHS trusts, universities and local authorities confirmed they have banned e-bikes from being parked or charged on their premises.

Citing the recent prominence of fires linked to poor quality lithium-ion batteries, e-bikes are considered too dangerous a fire risk, and a burden on businesses’ safety management.

Since 2020, there have been over 190 injuries and at least 13 deaths in lithium-ion battery fires, and the UK is currently experiencing nearly one e-bike or e-scooter fire per day.

Amongst the 40 bills announced in last week’s King’s Speech, a new ‘Product Safety and Metrology Bill’ may contain the solution. The bill, which seeks to address the fire risks associated with e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries, would grant new powers to Government to regulate these products.

This would ensure a continued supply of safe goods into the UK market, providing regulatory stability and protection for consumers.

This Bill will give the new government powers to ensure a continued supply of safe goods into the UK market and provide more regulatory stability and protection for consumers.

A government briefing document says:

“There is an urgent need to legislate to respond to emerging threats to consumer safety, for example to address issues such as incidents from… e-bike fires where there was a 78 per cent increase… in 2023 compared to 2022 in London, according to the London Fire Brigade.”

Commenting on the Bill, Wayne Mackay, Head of Public Affairs at Electrical Safety First, said:

“We are thrilled to hear of plans by the Government to finally address the prevalent risk of e-bike battery fires, following our extensive campaigning work on this issue.

“This Government now has a golden opportunity to turn the tide by introducing third-party certification for e-bike batteries, bringing them in line with other high-risk products already subject to extra safety rules.”

Office for Product Standards and Safety (OPSS) had previously requested further safety standards to address the problem. Graham Russell, Chief Executive of OPSS said:

“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…five steps to reduce risks to their families and homes.”

The OPSS’ recommended five steps to reduce risk are:

·       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

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