New statutory eBike guidelines for distributors and manufacturers launched

The government has published new statutory eBike guidelines for businesses producing and distributing lithium-ion batteries for eBikes, as the latest step in tackling fires caused by unsafe eBikes and associated products.

There were at least ten fire-related fatalities in the UK involving eBikes or e-scooters powered by lithium-ion batteries in 2023 (and almost 200 fires recorded). Poorly designed or poorly manufactured lithium-ion batteries used in eBikes and e-scooters present a risk of thermal runaway which can result in a serious fire or explosion. These guidelines mandate that lithium-ion batteries must contain a safety mechanism to address that risk.

The government said: “Producers and distributors of lithium-ion batteries must take the guidelines into account when assessing whether their product meets legal requirements under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (GPSR) in Great Britain.

“The GPSR applies to all lithium-ion batteries for eBikes, including those sold online or those sold for use with or as part of a conversion kit. It is an offence to place a lithium-ion battery on the market if it is not a safe product.”

The Office for Product Safety and Standards, as the UK’s national product regulator, and Local Authority Trading Standards, have powers to enforce the GPSR and there are sanctions, including criminal sanctions, for those that do not comply.

“Regulatory action against non-compliant products forms part of wider ambition for increasing the use of cleaner and active modes of transport”

The introduction of these statutory guidelines follows the launch in October of the Government’s Buy Safe Be Safe campaign, designed to help the public to buy safe eBikes and e-scooters and avoid rogue online sellers. The government has partnered with retailers, manufacturers, online marketplaces and consumer groups to promote the consumer advice.

OPSS has already acted to remove unsafe batteries from the market. In January two models of Unit Power Pack eBike batteries being manufactured in China and linked to incidents in the UK were prevented from supply to consumers.

Regulatory action against non-compliant and unsafe products forms part of wider Government activity to make sure that our ambition for increasing the use of cleaner and active modes of transport, including the use of eBikes and e-scooters, is supported by consumers being able to purchase safe products.

If terms like thermal runway are a mystery to you, then it’s well advised to take a look at the guidelines. Undoubtedly, the government and its various bodies are increasing their surveillance of and input into the eBike market.

The government’s safety information for consumers on eBikes mirrors advice issued by the industry. The growth in education about the sector will, we hope, bring greater knowledge and understanding about eBikes and their dangers, which have in the past been incorrectly reported and presenting a misinformation challenge for the sector.