Fire service issues new safety warning over charging and storing of e-bikes and e-scooters
A new safety warning has been issued over e-bikes and e-scooters following two house fires in London over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) has warned of the dangers these vehicles pose, urging Brits to be careful about how they charge and store them, as devastating pictures show the aftermaths of house fires caused by e-bikes.
This comes after the fire service was called to a semi-detached house in Dalston, east London, in the early hours of Sunday 9 April, when a charging e-bike set alight.
The staircase was damaged in the blaze as a man had to be rescued from the first floor and was treated for smoke inhalation as the bike blocked an escape route.
The second blaze broke out the following day on the ground floor of a three-storey house in Streatham, south London, as two men were led to safety by firefighters.
The fire brigade has attended over 158 e-bike and e-scooter fires from the start of 2022 to March 2023 - resulting in 78 injuries and some fatalities.
This means that on average in 2023, the LFB has been called to an e-bike or e-scooter fire once every two days.
This is a 60 per cent increase in the rate of fires, compared to the same period last year.
London Fire Brigade’s Advice to E-bike and e-scooter users
Never block your escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters.
Store them somewhere away from a main through route, like in a safe location such as a garage or shed.
Do not modify or tamper with your battery. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Converting pedal bikes into e-bikes using DIY kits bought online can be very dangerous and poses a higher risk of fire.
Check that your battery and charger meet UK safety standards.
Watch out for signs that the battery or charger aren’t working properly, like if they are hot to the touch or have changed shape.
Always use the correct charger and buy an official one from a reputable seller.
Be cautious when purchasing batteries from online marketplaces or the Internet as they may not meet safety standards.
Let the battery cool before charging as they can get warm during use and may be more susceptible to failure if charged immediately.
Unplug your charger once it’s finished charging and always follow manufacturers’ instructions.
Fit smoke alarms in areas where e-bikes or e-scooters are being charged and ensure they are tested regularly.
Use the London Fire Brigade’s free online home fire safety checker tool to check your home’s safety.
Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal in public places in London, but are not illegal to purchase.
E-bikes and e-scooters are at their most risky when their lithium batteries are charging, as during this period the batteries are most likely to fail.
Lithium batteries also store a significant amount of energy in a very small space. This means that they are much more powerful compared to other types of batteries.
Therefore, the LFB has warned that if energy is released in an uncontrolled way a fire or explosion can occur.
A blaze or explosion can also occur if there a battery is overheated or overcharged.
And while cheaper batteries are available to buy online, they do not always adhere to the UK's safety regulations and are more likely to present an increased fire risk.
Reference - Milica Cosic