Source: Cycling Industry News

The UK government is prioritizing efforts to address the risks associated with fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters, particularly those stemming from poorly designed lithium-ion batteries.

According to a letter shared with Cycling Industry News (CIN) by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the government emphasizes the dangers posed by substandard batteries and distinguishing between legal and illegal e-bikes.

The letter includes an overview of e-bike battery safety guidelines and recommendations for businesses involved in the repair, modification, and conversion of e-bikes and e-scooters, including bike shops, workshops, and mobile mechanics. The OPSS has outlined the risks and responsibilities associated with these activities in its guidance: Preventing e-bike / e-scooter fires | Business Companion.

As part of the Department for Business and Trade, the OPSS has been collaborating with Local Authority Trading Standards teams to engage with local businesses that provide these services. The goal is to ensure businesses are aware of their safety obligations and risk management strategies.

Fires involving e-bikes, e-scooters, and their components, including lithium-ion batteries, chargers, and conversion kits, are primarily linked to poorly designed or manufactured batteries. These batteries present a significant risk of thermal runaway, leading to fires or explosions. In December 2024, the Secretary of State issued statutory guidelines for producers and distributors, specifying the safety mechanisms required in lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes to mitigate this risk. These guidelines are available at: Statutory guidelines on lithium-ion battery safety for e-bikes – GOV.UK.

The OPSS has stated that addressing the dangers posed by substandard batteries is a government priority. In 2023, nearly 200 fires involving e-bikes were recorded across the UK, resulting in serious injuries and the loss of at least ten lives. As the national product regulator, the OPSS is leading a comprehensive initiative to assess and mitigate product safety risks associated with e-bikes, e-scooters, and lithium-ion batteries.

To enhance safety awareness, the OPSS continues to work with Local Authority Trading Standards teams to educate businesses about their responsibilities and risk management practices. A summary of these regulatory efforts is available at: OPSS regulatory activity update: e-bikes, e-scooters and lithium-ion batteries – GOV.UK.

Additionally, independent research on e-bike battery safety has recently been published and can be accessed at: Government publishes research report into e-bike battery safety – GOV.UK. The OPSS remains committed to ongoing collaboration with stakeholders on this issue.

The letter from the OPSS follows concerns from industry professionals urging the government to take stronger action. Recent policy changes, such as the removal of anti-dumping duties on non-folding e-bikes from China, have led to criticism that the government is not sufficiently prioritizing the issue of battery safety. Additionally, there is ongoing concern over the distinction between legal e-bikes, which comply with UK regulations, and illegal e-bikes, which may bypass safety standards. The failure to clearly differentiate between these categories in public discussions and media reports has had tangible effects on businesses operating in the sector.