Wiltshire Firefighters warn cheap e-bike conversions are a growing cause of house fires
There were at least ten fire-related fatalities in the UK involving e-bikes or e-scooters powered by lithium-ion batteries in 2023
Firefighters in Wiltshire are warning of the dangers of cheap e-bike conversions after an increasing number of fires caused by e-bike batteries.
Aftermarket conversion kits turn an ordinary pedal bike into an e-bike.
These kits often contravene rules around power – and therefore the speed e-bike riders are capable of without pedalling.
But there is a fear that the kits – which cost as little as £150 – also contravene safety laws.
At a recent meeting of the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority’s local performance and scrutiny committee – an all-party group of Wiltshire councillors with oversight of service operations – councillors were told accidental fires in the home had increased to 45 in the last three months from 39 in the previous quarter.
Area manager Brad Stevens said lithium-ion batteries were to blame for the increase, with the finger of blame pointing in the direction of e-bike kits.
A spokesperson for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority has told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “On occasion, there is a risk that batteries can fail catastrophically, ‘explode’, or lead to a rapidly developing fire.
“We recommend people buying e-bikes and e-scooters, chargers, and batteries do so from reputable retailers.
“Many fires involve counterfeit electrical goods. Items which don’t meet British or European standards pose a huge fire risk and while genuine chargers – or battery packs – may cost more, it’s not worth putting your life at risk and potentially destroying your home by buying a fake charger to save a few pounds.”
They continued: “If buying an e-bike conversion kit, purchase from a reputable seller and check that it complies with British or European standards.
“Take particular care if buying from online auctions or fulfilment platforms. Also be aware that if buying separate components, you should check that they are compatible.”
E-bike owners are also urged not to charge batteries overnight, and not to charge them in areas where a fire may prevent people getting out of a building – like communal hallways in apartment blocks.
The government has published new statutory guidelines for businesses producing and distributing lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes, as the latest step in tackling fires caused by unsafe e-bikes and associated products.
There were at least ten fire-related fatalities in the UK involving e-bikes or e-scooters powered by lithium-ion batteries in 2023.
Poorly designed or poorly manufactured lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and e-scooters present a risk of thermal runaway which can result in a serious fire or explosion.
These guidelines mandate that lithium-ion batteries must contain a safety mechanism to address that risk.