UK Bicycle Association urges implementation of E-bike Action Plan
Comments Off on UK Bicycle Association urges implementation of E-bike Action PlanSource: Cycling Industry News
The UK’s Bicycle Association (BA) has published a comprehensive E-bike Action Plan for the government, which aims to tackle the thorny topic of fires which are attributed to unsafe e-bike batteries.
The plan takes care to emphasise strongly that these fires are mainly caused by unsafe or incompatible products which have been sourced from poorly-regulated online marketplaces; this is in contrast to standards-compliant, safe e-bike products which are handled and sold by many of BA’s member retailers. The plan also highlights that the “gig economy” of delivery riders is one of the main catalysts in the demand for the unsafe products, and calls for reform of this sector.
The BA outlines three key actions required of Government:
- Stop unsafe imports, particularly those reaching consumers directly via poorly regulated online marketplaces
- Reform of the “gig economy” delivery sector, which drives demand for unsafe e-bike conversion kits, batteries and chargers, and incentivises the “tuning” or de-restriction of legal e-bikes
- Close legal loopholes which permit the legal sale of non-road-legal e-bikes and conversion kits
BA Executive Director, Steve Garidis, said:
“Even the safest, fully legal e-bikes are being seriously reputationally damaged by association with fires in unsafe products completely beyond the UK industry’s control. The legitimate e-bike category in the UK is at serious risk as a result. E-bike sales have fallen significantly in recent years, in stark contrast to the worldwide trend, as users face repeated headlines about e-bike dangers, and consequent blanket restrictions on access and insurance.
Companies in the legitimate UK cycle industry take full legal responsibility for the safety of the products they supply. We think it’s high time that the online marketplaces and gig economy delivery companies take on that same responsibility, and that sales of non-road-legal e-bikes are banned.”
The plan also highlights that the UK cycling industry is already proactively helping consumers and other stakeholders (including premises managers and transport operators) to distinguish between reputable, safe e-bikes and high-risk products. Steps taken include:
- Setting up a voluntary “BA register of safety-audited e-bike brands”, enabling consumers identify reputable brands
- Establishing the “E-bike Positive Responsible Retailer Pledge” to identify shops committed the safe supply and repair of e-bikes and associated components
- Publishing consumer guidance to assist in buying and charging safely
- Engaging actively with key stakeholders including government, transport authorities, public transport operators and organisations, the insurance and underwriter industries, international standards development bodies, fire and rescue services, safety charities and more
The E-bike Action Plan can be downloaded here.