Over 13,000 unsafe eBikes and eScooters seized at Felixstowe in 2 years

The UK’s busiest port has seen 13,000-plus unsafe eBikes and eScooters seized by Suffolk Trading Standards. A further 9,000 eScooters were turned away at Felixstowe for failing to meet requirements for marking, instructions and essential safety instruction.

The news comes as eBikes and eScooters are in the spotlight over safety, particularly over cheap, substandard products and inferior batteries and chargers that pose a serious risk of fire or electric shock. Trading Standards detained the products for not meeting safety testing standards.

Consumers should stay safe “only by purchasing from a reputable retailer”, urged Trading Standards. There’s guidelines for importers too, produced by the Imports Surveillance Team, which is also available in simplified Chinese in recognition that most product consignments enter the UK after originating from China.

Graham Crisp, Head of Suffolk Trading Standards, said: “Stopping the sale of thousands of unsafe e-scooters is a fantastic achievement for our Imports Surveillance team and is a testament to their tireless work to intercept dangerous goods before these can enter the marketplace, protecting not just Suffolk residents but consumers across the country.

“Of course, people can keep themselves safe by only purchasing e-scooters from a reputable retailer, ensuring the vehicle comes with accompanying safety guidance and looking for the CE or UKCA mark.

“Whilst buying cheaper batteries or battery converter kits for e-scooters and e-bikes can be tempting for those looking to save money, they could end up paying the ultimate price.”

Councillor Andrew Reid, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection, added: “Fire services nationally are seeing an increase in incidents caused by e-scooters and e-bikes, with there sadly being a fatality following a fire in London at the beginning of the year believed to have been started by a faulty e-bike battery which burst into flames.

“Care should be taken even when using legitimate batteries and chargers; batteries should be allowed time to cool down before being charged and chargers should be unplugged immediately after use to help reduce the risk of fire.

“E-scooter and e-bike users should also avoid charging the vehicles in residential buildings overnight as this is when the majority of fires have happened due to people being asleep and unaware of chargers starting to overheat before igniting.”