Fire chiefs have warned people against using cheap lithium-ion batteries to convert their bicycles into e-bikes as they are more likely to catch fire.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) urged caution as more people modify their bikes by buying cheaper, less regulated batteries online.
We are very concerned that people are converting their bicycles into e-bikes. We know this is causing cheaper batteries to be bought online which don’t necessarily adhere to UK safety regulations. As a result, the battery is more likely to fail and catch fire. #ChargeSafe⚡ pic.twitter.com/WIkCWtu4mk
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) March 31, 2023
The LFB wrote on Twitter: “We are very concerned that people are converting their bicycles into e-bikes.
“We know this is causing cheaper batteries to be bought online which don’t necessarily adhere to UK safety regulations. As a result, the battery is more likely to fail and catch fire.”
It comes after figures revealed that firefighters have been called to more than 150 fires caused by e-bikes and e-scooters in a little over a year.
Most of the blazes involve cheaper, less-regulated products bought online, which were charging when the fires started.
The fires are caused by the vehicles’ lithium-ion batteries overheating and combusting.
Figures show that the LFB was called to 116 fires involving the vehicles last year. In total there were 87 fires related to e-bikes and 29 caused by e-scooters.
It marks a 38 per cent increase on the 72 e-bike and e-scooter fires reported in 2021.
In 2023, firefighters have so far attended 30 fires caused by e-bikes and six blazes linked to e-scooters.
Fire chiefs have advised people to keep these items in a safe location, such as a shed or garage, and avoid charging them overnight before going to sleep.
A spokesperson for the LFB said: “It’s incredibly concerning we are continuing to see a rise in incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters.
“When these batteries and chargers fail, they do so with ferocity and because the fires develop so rapidly the situation can quickly become incredibly serious.
“Lithium batteries are susceptible to failure if incorrect chargers are used and there is a significant risk posed by e-bikes and scooters which have been converted.
“We are predominantly seeing fires in ones which have been purchased from online marketplaces and batteries which have been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards.
“We are very concerned that people are converting their bicycles into e-bikes. We know this is causing cheaper batteries to be bought online which don’t necessarily adhere to UK safety regulations. As a result, the battery is more likely to fail and catch fire.
“Our advice is to try and store and charge these items in a safe location if possible, such as in a shed or garage, and if they have to be stored inside, make sure there is smoke detection fitted and your means of escape is not obstructed.
“However, we know this won’t be possible for everyone, so if you are charging them indoors, please follow our advice on safe charging and ensure everyone in your home knows what to do in the event of a fire.
“We would also suggest people try not to charge them when they are asleep, so that if there is an issue they can react quickly.”
