Official figures show that in 2023, 10 fatalities and almost 200 fires were recorded involving e-bikes and e-scooters.
A particular issue is thermal runaway — this happens when the temperature of individual cells within a battery reaches a point where chemical reactions occur, generating heat faster than it can be dissipated. This causes the casing to rupture, releasing flammable and potentially toxic gases, which can ignite and lead to rapidly escalating fires.
New Statutory Guidelines for Battery Safety
The General Product Safety Regulations place legal duties on producers and distributors to ensure that only safe products are placed on the market. Recent updates have introduced new statutory guidelines covering lithium-ion battery safety for e-bikes and conversion kits.
The guidance includes requirements for:
- Battery design and construction
- Protective systems to prevent thermal runaway
- Information to be provided with battery packs
- Producer responsibilities to ensure safety
- Distributor responsibilities to avoid supplying unsafe products
The full guidance can be found on the Gov.UK website.
Key Safety Advice for Users
Charging
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Unplug the charger when not in use
- Do not leave batteries unattended while charging
- Only use the manufacturer-approved charger and check it is in good condition
- Do not cover chargers or batteries during charging
- Avoid charging near flammable or combustible materials
- Follow recommended charging times and avoid overcharging
- Do not overload sockets
- Take extra care when charging equipment that hasn’t been used in a while
- In the event of a fire, evacuate and call 999 — do not attempt to extinguish it yourself
Storage
- Do not block escape routes when charging or storing equipment
- Store batteries in a cool place
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for storage
Purchasing Equipment, Batteries, and Chargers
- Buy from reputable suppliers only
- Ensure products meet British or European standards
- Register products to receive safety alerts or recall information
- Check if a product has been recalled before use
Damage and Disposal
- If you suspect damage, stop using or charging the battery until it is checked or replaced
- Never dispose of batteries in general waste — they can cause fires if crushed
- Follow disposal instructions provided by the manufacturer