Government's 'Buy Safe, Be Safe' campaign urges public to buy safe and legal e-bikes

Following a string of fires linked to faulty e-bike batteries, the Government launched their ‘Buy Safe, Be Safe’ campaign on 24 October.

The campaign aims to encourage consumers to avoid ‘rogue online sellers’ that sell off-brand parts and batteries, which are incompatible with e-bikes and e-scooters, causing them to malfunction and overheat.

It follows figures from the London Fire Brigade which note that in 2023, e-bikes and e-scooters caused fires every two days in the capital. This represents a 78% increase between 2022 and 2023, where the incidences of these fires increased considerably.

London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Craig Carter, said:

“From our investigations, we know many of the fires we’ve attended have involved second-hand vehicles or the bike has been modified using parts bought online.

“At this time, there is not the same level of regulation of products for e-bikes and e-scooters sold via online marketplaces or auction sites when compared to high street shops, so we cannot be confident that products meet the correct safety standard.

“We understand that people are trying to save money, but if you spot a deal that looks too be good to be true, it probably is.”

‘Buy Safe, Be Safe’ focuses on three key areas: where products are bought, replacement, and conversion. The campaign recommends consumers only buy safe products from reputable sellers, only replace products with those recommended by the manufacturer, and always to seek professional help if converting or repairing e-bikes and e-scooters.

As the law stands at present, e-scooters are banned on public land, except in designated rental trial areas. E-bikes are legal to use across the country, but must not exceed an output of 250 watts or travel faster than 15.5 mph.

Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said:

“E-bikes have transformed our urban areas by giving people an accessible and healthy way to travel, but this is being ruined by a handful of untrustworthy online retailers.

“These rogue sellers not only risk bringing defective and dangerous batteries into people’s homes, but undermine confidence in active travel as a whole.

“That’s why I’m delighted that we are launching this campaign to make sure that people have peace of mind buying e-bikes and e-scooters from reliable sources.”

Consumers are reminded by the campaign that the risk of fires is increased if the e-bike or e-scooter is:

• non-compliant (i.e. it doesn’t meet safety rules);
• counterfeit;
• damaged;
•   poorly manufactured;
• used with an incompatible charger; or
• modified or repaired with non-compatible parts (e.g. chargers, motor and battery).

The Office for Product Standards and Safety recommend five steps to reduce risk:

• Step 1:  RESEARCH – only buy an e-bike, e-scooter, charger or battery from a known seller and check any product reviews
• Step 2: READ – always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using e-bikes or e-scooters
• Step 3: CHECK – not all e-bike or e-scooter batteries and chargers are compatible or safe when used together. Check and only use the manufacturer’s recommended battery or charger
• Step 4: CHARGE – always charge in a safe place without blocking exits and always unplug your charger when you have finished charging
• Step 5: NEVER – attempt to modify or tamper with your battery

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