Trading Standards wades in on non-compliant eBikes

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has joined the chorus of those warning both consumers and businesses engaged in modification of electric bikes and scooters to cease tampering, attributing the practice to a notable uptick in house fires.

Putting a figure against the rise, it is believed that the number of incidents is up 150% in the past year, with London’s fire brigade alone responding to 88 fires primarily caused by tampered electric bikes. This is an increase of 80% versus 2021.

CTSI is urging businesses importing and selling eScooters, eBikes and conversion kits to ensure that the products fully comply with product safety laws. The Institute is also warning consumers to only purchase devices from reputable retailers and to check that they display a valid UKCA or CE mark.

Christine Heemskerk, CTSI Lead Officer for Product Safety, said: “Don’t buy online unless you’re really certain where a product is coming from. You also need to be very sure that you’re using the right charger for the right battery. There should be a charger supplied with the device you’ve purchased.”

The London Fire Brigade are likewise clear to point out that it is not standard off the shelf product causing the issues, but the trend of modification and subsequent non-compliance. Spooked by headlines in the press that often do not make the distinction, large firms are now banning electric bikes from sites. The Canary Wharf, Morgan Stanley and More London estates are among those taking the action, prompting bike industry leaders to flag the issue as urgent and a risk to the UK electric bike business in terms of potential sales lost.

London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, Charlie Pugsley, said: “There is a significant risk posed by the e-bikes which have been converted and we are predominantly seeing fires in ones which have been purchased from online marketplaces and batteries which have been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards.

“When these batteries and chargers fail, they do so with ferocity and because the fires develop so rapidly the situation can quickly become incredibly serious. These items are often stored in communal areas and corridors and  can block people’s only means of escape.”

London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, said: “All privately owned eScooters remain illegal in public places and on the road in London, but they are not illegal to purchase. It is vital that customers understand the potential consequences of riding eScooters and those who do purchase the vehicles must be clear on how to charge them and their batteries safely. E-bike owners must also be aware of the fire safety risks which come with using converted e-bikes from unverified suppliers.

“The Mayor and I are determined to build a safer London for all. That is why I recently wrote to retailers with the Met Police imploring them to display information prominently in store and online to make customers aware that private e-scooters are illegal on public roads and to make it clear to customers that do purchase them how to charge vehicles and batteries safely.”

Trading Standards is urging the public to:

• Only purchase eBikes, eScooters, chargers and batteries from reputable retailers.
• Never buy counterfeit batteries or chargers, and ensure that any device you use displays a valid UKCA or CE mark.
• Check that separate components, such as batteries and chargers, are compatible with one another.
• Register your product with the manufacturer to validate any warranties on components including batteries. Registering makes it easier for manufacturers to contact you in the event of safety or recall information.
• Check any products you have bought are not subject to a product recall. You can do this by checking Electrical Safety First’s website or the government website.

It has formerly been proposed to make this kind of vehicle tampering an offence and there are moves in the European bike industry to lobby for such laws.