UK government proposes new safety bill for electric-powered vehicles

The UK government has introduced a significant legislative proposal, the Safety of Electric-Powered Micromobility Vehicles and Lithium-ion Batteries Bill.

This bill, if passed, will enact major regulatory changes for electric-powered vehicles like e-scooters and e-bikes, particularly those using secondary lithium-ion batteries.

Rising concerns over e-vehicle fires prompt legislative action

The bill emerges against a backdrop of increasing fire incidents involving e-scooters and e-bikes in England.

Statistics indicate a fourfold increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in these vehicles since 2020, with 190 reported injuries and eight fatalities.

National Fire Chiefs Council, local fire and rescue services, and insurance companies have raised alarms about the risks associated with unregulated and unsafe use of secondary lithium-ion battery chargers.

FPA endorses the bill for enhanced safety

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has voiced its support for the bill, emphasizing its potential to mitigate the growing risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires.

George Edwardes, FPA’s Technical Director, highlighted the urgency for better regulation, calling for improved assurances from manufacturers regarding the safe use of these devices, clear warnings against unsafe disposal, and mandatory CE or UKCA marks on imported products.

Battery Safety Bill specifics: Safety standards and disposal regulations

The proposed bill stipulates that electric-powered micromobility vehicles or their secondary lithium-ion batteries cannot enter the UK market without assessment by a government-approved body.

Manufacturers must provide technical documentation and a declaration of conformity, and products must bear the CE or UKCA mark to demonstrate compliance with set standards.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Secretary of State to regulate the safe disposal of lithium batteries, including requiring manufacturers to warn about improper disposal practices.

IFSJ Comment

The Safety of Electric-Powered Micromobility Vehicles and Lithium-ion Batteries Bill represents a critical step forward in addressing the safety concerns surrounding the growing popularity of e-scooters and e-bikes.

Its focus on rigorous safety standards, mandatory compliance marks, and responsible disposal practices underscores the government’s commitment to public safety in the face of technological advancements.

The endorsement by the Fire Protection Association adds a layer of credibility and urgency to the bill, reflecting the broader concerns of fire safety experts and industry stakeholders.

If implemented effectively, this legislation could serve as a blueprint for other countries grappling with similar challenges posed by electric mobility devices.