Tag Archive: e-bike safety

  1. UK sees increased interest in e-bikes from young adults, but product education critically needed

    Comments Off on UK sees increased interest in e-bikes from young adults, but product education critically needed

    Source: Cycling Electric, IFSJ

    The UK-based E-bike Positive Campaign has published fresh survey results, which show a steep rise in the number of adults aged 25 to 34 who are more likely to buy an e-bike than they were a year ago. This is, however, accompanied by a wide knowledge gap in the identification of safe, reputable products.

    In the survey of almost 2,000 people across the UK, nearly half of those in the 25-34 age bracket, 49.34%, said they are more likely now to travel by e-bike than they were one year ago, rather than by public transport or car. The overall population had 20.47% saying they would be looking to use pedal-assisted bikes in the near future.

    According to the survey, understanding of what a road-legal electric bike is remains low. Over half of respondents said they would consider purchasing e-bike components including batteries, chargers and conversion kits from online marketplaces. This, of course, opens up a real possibility of them purchasing non-manufacturer approved items, which have not been through the stringent tests associated with high-quality items from reputable brands and suppliers.

    Data recently published by the UK Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) shows that 211 fires involving e-bikes or e-scooters were reported by fire and rescue services in 2024. Soberingly, 170 of the 211 fires involved e-bikes, and 45% of the e-bike fires (77 incidents) involved post-market conversions. The International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ) points out that “these conversions are typically kits added to standard pedal bicycles, often outside manufacturer-approved conditions.”

    LEVA-EU emphasises the critical importance of awareness around DIY and non-standard conversion kits, stating, “LEVA-EU strongly advises against illegal products and components, especially the dangerous tampering of electronic components by end-consumers.”

    Duncan Dollimore, Head of Campaigns at Cycling UK, said: “We’ve seen firsthand the difference road-legal e-bikes have made to people’s lives, helping them save money on shorter journeys, and providing young people with an easy and affordable way to stay healthy. The passion that Gen Z and Millennials have for their health and the environment go hand in hand with cycling.

    “That’s why we need to do all that we can to clearly explain the difference between safe road-legal e-bikes and potentially unsafe aftermarket alternatives. With 1 in 4 people unable to make the distinction between what’s safe and what isn’t when it comes to e-bikes, we need to do more to increase awareness so people can make informed decisions when it comes to travel choices.”

    The E-Bike Positive Campaign aims to improve the British public’s knowledge of safe and legal e-biking and the benefits it brings.

  2. People fitting incompatible batteries and chargers due to “incomplete” e-bike conversion kits

    Comments Off on People fitting incompatible batteries and chargers due to “incomplete” e-bike conversion kits

    Source: E-bike Tips

    The charity Electrical Safety First (ESF) has expressed concerns over “incomplete” e-bike kits, stating that consumers are often left to pair batteries and chargers themselves, which can lead to compatibility issues and increase fire risks, according to the BBC.

    Product safety engineer Giuseppe Capanna noted that some kits bought online may lack essential components, such as the battery and charger, which places the responsibility on the consumer to find suitable replacements—often resulting in mistakes.

    “You have a high risk that a charger won’t be compatible with the battery. The battery could then become overcharged – that’s one of the things that can cause it to go into thermal runaway, which causes it to catch fire and explode” Capanna explained.

    Capanna, however, emphasized that reliable companies do sell safe kits, and suggested referring to guides, for reputable options.

    In its Battery Breakdown report released last year, ESF pointed out that well-designed conversion kits from reputable manufacturers, when installed professionally, are generally safe. Nonetheless, the charity advocates for stricter safety standards for these kits, highlighting that many kits available online do not include a battery, leaving it up to consumers to find and ensure compatibility with a charger.

    ESF also raised concerns over some kits offered by less reputable sellers, which exceed legal power limits, putting both riders and pedestrians at risk and potentially subjecting users to legal consequences.

    In response, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has called for stronger product safety regulations for e-bike kits and stricter sales oversight. The NFCC supports ESF’s recommendation for third-party certification of e-bikes, e-scooters, and batteries, noting that current regulations allow manufacturers to self-declare battery safety.

    The upcoming Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, recently introduced in the King’s Speech, aims to address unsafe products sold by overseas suppliers in the UK. A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson stated, “We take the risk of e-scooter and e-bike fires very seriously. That’s why we’re working with local authorities to identify illegal products to prevent them from being imported, while notifying consumers and businesses about unsafe products.

    “The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will allow us to amend product regulations, respond swiftly to innovative new products and maintain high safety standards.“

  3. myStromer announces partnership with Spoke

    Comments Off on myStromer announces partnership with Spoke

    Speed pedelec producer to incorporate Spoke’s cycling safety technology into its e-bikes

    Stromer has announced that the aim of this new strategic partnership is to enhance safety and enrich riding experiences for its customers worldwide by incorporating Spoke Safety’s advanced vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology into its s-pedelecs.

    Stromer’s next generation of e-bikes will include Spoke’s technology and risk awareness systems, and will be available to its existing fleet of customers through a customized Spoke VUE™ aftermarket upgrade program. Spoke’s technology and systems will enhance digital connectivity between cyclists, vehicles, and infrastructure by providing riders with real-time alerts and improved visibility to navigate urban environments and complex traffic scenarios safer and easier.

    Improving daily mobility and commuting safety for its riders and other road users is one of Stromer’s key goals, and the brand believes it has found an innovative and committed partner in Spoke Safety that will help them achieve this, and set new standards for e-bike safety and performance.

    About Stromer

    Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Oberwangen, Switzerland, the company is shaping the future of mobility with its speed pedelecs. myStromer AG manufactures all its e-bikes at its site in Oberwangen and is the market leader in the speed pedelec (fast e-bike < 45 km/h) category. The company has around 180 employees, three subsidiaries (USA, the Netherlands and Romania) and sells its products in 28 countries. At Stromer, “Swissness” stands for the promise of quality, design, reliability and respect for the environment. Since 2021, the Spanish brand Desiknio has been completing its range with high-quality city bikes (< 25 km/h). With its high-end products, Stromer offers a modern mobility solution for commuters. Just look at the more than 465 million km they have already ridden with a Stromer. Stromer is #HereToChange