Black Friday e-bike and scooter sales in London
According to London Fire Brigade, e-bike and e-scooter fires occur on average once every two days in the past year.
Consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First and the London Fire Brigade have issued a joint warning regarding the risks associated with purchasing e-bikes, scooters, and conversion kits online during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
Research commissioned by Electrical Safety First and the London Fire Brigade surveyed over 2,000 Londoners.
The study found that e-bikes and e-scooters are among the top 10 most sought-after products for this Black Friday.
Additionally, 11% of respondents considered purchasing an e-bike conversion kit.
Online marketplaces pose safety risks
More than one in five respondents indicated they would consider buying an e-bike, e-scooter, or conversion kit during Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals.
Of these, 58% preferred shopping through online marketplaces.
This preference raises concerns about the potential for purchasing substandard or unsafe products.
Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First, stated: “Buying from a reputable manufacturer or retailer has never been so vital when it comes to electrically powered bikes and conversion kits.”
She emphasised the importance of compliance and safety in preventing battery failures that could lead to fires.
Conversion kits and charging hazards
Experts are particularly worried about modified electric bikes and conversion kits.
Poor installation, substandard parts, or incorrect charging can result in fires.
Electrical Safety First and the London Fire Brigade advise that batteries must be charged with compatible chargers to ensure safe voltage and current levels.
The survey revealed that 27% of Londoners are not confident in selecting compatible chargers for their e-bike or e-scooter batteries.
This lack of confidence increases the risk of overcharging and subsequent battery fires.
Personal tragedies highlight the dangers
One south west London resident, Don Hettiarachchi, experienced a devastating fire caused by his son’s converted e-bike.
The fire destroyed their home and left the family in emergency accommodation.
Don recounted: “My son’s converted e-bike was charging inside the conservatory, had caught fire and the kitchen was full of thick black smoke.”
Don advised caution to potential buyers: “Make sure the e-bike battery and the charger are compatible with one another.
“Make sure you buy from a reputable seller that you know and trust.”
Charge Safe campaign aims to prevent fires
The London Fire Brigade has launched the #ChargeSafe campaign to raise awareness about the fire risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters.
The campaign seeks regulatory changes to prevent the sale of poor quality batteries, chargers, and conversion kits on online marketplaces.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field commented: “We are urging anyone looking to buy an e-bike or e-scooter, or the batteries, chargers or conversion kits, do so from a reputable seller.”
London e-bike and e-scooter fires rise, Black Friday sales surge: Summary
The London Fire Brigade and Electrical Safety First have issued warnings about the increased risk of e-bike and e-scooter fires during Black Friday sales.
Research indicates a surge in purchases, with many Londoners opting to buy online, potentially leading to unsafe products.
Experts highlight the dangers of substandard conversion kits and incompatible chargers.
A personal account from a London resident underscores the severe consequences of such fires.
The #ChargeSafe campaign aims to educate consumers and advocate for stricter regulations to ensure product safety.