UK eBike biz coordinates to address businesses’ fire safety bans

A number of eBike industry stakeholders are seeking to calm the nerves of big businesses spooked by media headlines relating to the risks of a battery fire, directly speaking to building management about the true risk, rather than what is felt to be a building hysteria.

The eBike industry does have a problem on its hands, a problem that is steadily snowballing as the likes of the Canary Wharf, Morgan Stanley and More London estates have reacted with blanket eBike bans for their many thousand employees. The reason? Concern over a perception that eBikes can be particularly fire prone, when in reality, like any device carrying a battery, it’s more of a build quality discussion.

Dan Parsons of Fully Charged, who has spearheaded some of the talks, reminds “eBikes and eBike components from reputable suppliers undergo rigorous testing to stringent quality and safety testing standards – and we aren’t aware of a single incident in the UK involving an eBike or battery from a reputable brand.”

The issue does, undoubtedly exist, with the London Fire Brigade reportedly attending over 70 micromobility linked fires in 2021. There exists the concession that such fires were largely as a result of tampered or modified eBike kits, the Brigade stating “Please pay special attention to bike conversion kits. Do not attempt to modify or tamper with the battery.”

The press, however, appear generally not to be making the distinction and as has previously been the case when eBikes have been lumped into headlines where eMotorcycles have been involved in incidents, there is a fear bad press may lead to more bans and eBike commuters ditching cycling altogether at a time when progress is being made. As CyclingIndustry.News’ own research has previously illustrated, 46% of bike shops see cycling’s press image as a significant barrier to market growth.

Parsons adds: “I’ve spoken to a huge number of stakeholders, from businesses imposing bans, to the London Mayors Office, Active Travel England, the fire brigade, RoSPA and am in constant contact with the Bicycle Association whilst we do our best to knit everything together, but it’s a PR nightmare for the eBike.

“Together I hope that we can better educate people in the risks associated with lithium ion batteries, whilst removing the eBike from the ‘most wanted’ list, help raise awareness of the issue with our policy-makers (eBikes are also banned from The Palace of Westminster!) and remind people of the incredible potential this means of transport has in contributing to our net zero target.”

Back in September Electrical Safety First warned consumers that buying incompatible or poorly made chargers cheaply online comes with risks and in doing so successfully campaigned to have numerous listings removed from major websites. Many eBike fire issues occur when electrics are poorly built or matched to the batteries they are charging.

For eBike storage tips in your shop or warehouse, see CI.N’s detailed explainer here.