Warning over e-bikes and scooters after fires

Consumers have been warned only to buy e-bikes and e-scooters from reputable retailers following a dramatic surge in house fires caused by unsafe batteries and chargers.

An "alarming spate" of fires has been attributed to noncompliant lithium-ion batteries used in bikes and scooters, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) warned.

Thenumberoffirescaused by the batteries has surged by almost150%overthepastyear, accordingtoFreedomofInformation data obtained by the insurer Zurich.

The CTSI is urging businesses who import and sell e-scooters, e-bikes and conversion kits – which are used to change a standard bike to an e-bike - to ensure that the products fully comply with product safety laws.

The group says consumers should only purchase devices from reputable retailers and check that they display a valid UKCA or CE mark.

Christine Heemskerk, CTSI lead officer for product safety, said: "Don't buy online unless you're really certain where a product is coming from.

"You also need to be very sure that you're using the right charger for the right battery.”

She added: "There should be a charger supplied with the device you've purchased."

Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First, said: "Our own investigations have found that dangerous chargers for e-bikes freely available on online marketplaces. This is leaving shoppers at serious risk of a fire.

"The Government must better protect the public by regulating online marketplaces to force them to take reasonable steps to ensure that all goods sold on their platform are safe."