In light of the upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, the London Fire Brigade has issued a stark warning about the dangers of purchasing e-bikes and e-scooters, following a year that saw a record number of related fires in the capital.

Record-breaking year for e-bike and e-scooter fires

2023 has been a particularly hazardous year for e-bike and e-scooter fires in London.

The London Fire Brigade reported attending 142 e-bike fires and 28 e-scooter blazes, marking a 47% increase compared to 2022.

Tragically, these incidents have resulted in 3 deaths and approximately 60 injuries.

The perils of online bargains

The Brigade attributes many of these incidents to faulty or counterfeit products, often purchased from online marketplaces.

This includes chargers, batteries, and conversion kits for e-bikes and e-scooters.

With Black Friday (24 November) and Cyber Monday (27 November) approaching, there is concern that more dangerous, unregulated products could be purchased, posing a risk to consumers’ homes and safety.

Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, Charlie Pugsley, emphasised the significant fire risk posed by e-bikes and e-scooters, especially those that are second-hand or have been modified with online parts.

He noted the lack of regulation for products sold online and urged consumers to be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

Consumer advice from the Brigade

The Brigade strongly advises purchasing e-bikes, e-scooters, batteries, chargers, and conversion kits from reputable sellers.

It’s crucial to use the correct charger and have e-bike conversions done professionally.

Consumers should look for the UKCA or CE mark on products, ensuring they meet UK and EU safety standards.

Personal accounts and official advice

Hayley O’Keefe’s family had a narrow escape from an e-bike fire at their home in Tulse Hill.

The e-bike, purchased second-hand from an online marketplace, caught fire.

O’Keefe now advocates for more stringent regulation of online sales of these products.

Phil Jenkins, Product Safety Lead Officer at London Trading Standards, recommends buying from physical retailers and being wary of online offers, particularly for chargers, batteries, and conversion kits.

The need for stricter regulations

The Brigade has called for urgent research into e-bike conversion kits and stricter legislation for batteries and chargers.

Next week, Deputy Commissioner Dom Ellis, firefighters, and Deputy Mayor for Fire & Resilience, Baroness Fiona Twycross, will discuss this emerging issue with MPs as part of the Brigade’s #ChargeSafe safety awareness campaign.

Safety tips for e-bike and e-scooter users

The Brigade advises users to store e-bikes and e-scooters away from escape routes, avoid modifying or tampering with batteries, and purchase batteries and chargers that meet UK safety standards.

Users should also be vigilant for signs of battery or charger malfunction and always use the correct charger.

The Brigade also recommends fitting smoke alarms in areas where these vehicles are charged.

IFSJ Comment

The London Fire Brigade’s warning ahead of Black Friday underscores the growing concern over the safety of e-bikes and e-scooters, especially those sourced from unregulated online marketplaces.

As consumer interest in these eco-friendly transport options surges, it becomes imperative to balance affordability with safety.

The Brigade’s advice and the personal experiences shared highlight the potential dangers associated with these modern conveniences.

This issue not only calls for heightened consumer awareness but also for a more robust regulatory framework to safeguard public safety.

The upcoming discussions at the Houses of Parliament mark a crucial step towards addressing these concerns and hopefully will lead to more stringent safety standards and regulations.