E-bikes and E-scooter Safety

As e-bikes and e-scooters are increasing in popularity, Safe in Your Place this month focuses on raising awareness of the safety considerations to reduce the risk of fire.

E-bikes and e-scooters use large lithium-ion batteries which can present a risk of serious fire or explosion in certain circumstances. There have been a number of fire incidents involving lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters, including conversion kits.

To keep safe, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) recommends you follow these five steps when purchasing, using or charging your e-bike or e-scooter to reduce fire risks:

1. RESEARCH – only buy an e-bike, e-scooter, charger or battery from a known seller and check any product reviews

2. READ – always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using e-bikes or e-scooters

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

4. CHARGE – always charge in a safe place without blocking exits and always unplug your charger when you have finished charging

5. NEVER – attempt to modify or tamper with your battery

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) offer further guidance on their website which includes the following safety advice:

1. Ensure you have working smoke alarms.

2. Charge batteries whilst you are awake and alert so if a fire should occur you can respond quickly. Don’t leave batteries to charge while you are asleep or away from the home

3. Do not cover chargers or battery packs when charging as this could lead to overheating or even a fire

4. Do not charge batteries or store your e-bike or e-scooter near combustible or flammable materials

5. Do not overcharge your battery – check the manufacturer’s instructions for charge times

6. Do not overload socket outlets or use inappropriate extension leads (use un-coiled extensions and ensure the lead is suitably rated for what you are plugging in to it)

7. In the event of an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire – do not attempt to extinguish the fire. Get out, stay out, call 999

8. Do not store or charge e-bikes and e-scooters on escape routes or in communal areas of a multi occupied building. If there’s a fire, it can affect people’s ability to escape

9. Store e-bikes and e-scooters and their batteries in a cool place. Avoid storing them in excessively hot or cold areas

10. Batteries can be damaged by dropping them or crashing e-bikes or e-scooters. Where the battery is damaged, it can overheat and catch fire without warning. Check your battery regularly for any signs of damage and if you suspect it is damaged it should be replaced and should not be used or charged

11. If you need to dispose of a damaged or end of life battery, don’t dispose of it in your household waste or normal recycling. These batteries, when punctured or crushed can cause fires in bin lorries, recycling and waste centres. Your e- bike or e- scooter manufacturer may offer a recycling service. Alternatively check with your local authority for suitable battery recycling arrangements in your area

The full list of NFCC safety advice can be found here – https://nfcc.org.uk/our-services/position-statements/e-bikes-and-e-scooters-fire-safety-guidance/.

Tower Hamlets Council have created a safety campaign with the London Fire Brigade around E-bike and E-scooter safety and have allowed us to share their video guide which can be found here - #ChargeSafe Tower Hamlets - E-bike battery safety animation

Further information on E-Bike rules in the United Kingdom can be found on the gov.uk website - https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules.

What to do if you have any concerns about the storage or charging of e-bikes and e-scooters in your community

Please contact our Customer Contact Team to report any concerns:

contact@housingsolutions.co.uk

01628 543101