OPSS Issues Safety Message on E-Bikes and E-Scooters Amidst Rising Fire Incidents

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an Important Safety Message, highlighting the steps people should take when owning or thinking of buying an e-bike or scooter.

This follows a number of fire incidents, some of them fatal,  involving lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters, including in conversion kits.

These steps include always following the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using the products; checking and only using the manufacturer’s recommended battery and charger; never attempting to tamper with or alter the battery or charger; and unplugging the battery when charging has finished.

If you own an e-bike or e-scooter or are thinking of purchasing one for yourself or someone else, please take note of this Important Safety Message from the UK’s national product regulator, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).

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

OPSS recommends you follow these five steps when purchasing, using or charging your e-bike or e-scooter to reduce fire risks:

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

Step 2: READ – always READ and FOLLOW the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using e-bikes or e-scooters

Step 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

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

Step 5: NEVER – attempt to modify or tamper with your battery

Graham Russell, Chief Executive of OPSS said:

As the popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters increases we have seen more tragic fires in homes where e-bikes or e-scooters are charging. We are stepping up our actions to tackle the sale of unsafe e-bikes and e-scooters but it’s important to remember that manufacturers only assure their e-bikes and e-scooters are safe when used in line with their instructions. I would urge consumers to follow these five steps to reduce risks to their families and homes.