Amazon, eBay and three other online suppliers have been ordered to withdraw from sale dodgy batteries that are often used for e-bikes and e-scooters
The London Fire Brigade has today released dramatic video footage from a rescue conducted last week from a fire caused by what firefighters now regard as probably the biggest safety risk in the capital: dodgy batteries attached to e-bikes and e-scooters.
Fire escape: pictures from neighbour Danny McLaughlin show the perilous rescue in Whitechapel last week
The batteries have been officially classed by the national regulatory body as a “dangerous” product.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards announced in January that it is taking enforcement action against a Chinese manufacturer of UPP batteries after its products were linked to a number of fires in the UK.
Five online marketplaces have been issued with Withdrawal Notices: Amazon, AliBaba, eBay, Made in China and Desertcart. These require them to stop supplying the UPP battery. The Withdrawal Notice has also been issued to 20 sellers directly and the China-based manufacturer.
The video footage released today shows a firefighter rescuing a man dangling precariously from a window ledge after trying to escape an e-bike fire in a flat.
The fire broke out in a third-floor flat in Whitechapel in the early hours of Wednesday February 7. Most of the flat was damaged by fire and smoke.
Two managed to escape from the flat. Two others who could not escape because their exit was blocked by fire were rescued by firefighters from windows using ladders. One woman was taken to hospital as a precaution for smoke inhalation.
Fire exit: the rescue from a flat’s window was necessary because the corridor was blocked. Pic: Danny McLaughlin
Danny McLaughlin, a neighbour who watched one of the rescues unfold and captured it by video and photographs on his phone, said: “I heard shouting that woke me up. I looked out of one of my windows and saw one of the men hanging from a third-floor window ledge in the neighbouring block. His legs were being held, to stop him falling, by a neighbour in the window of the flat below the fire.
“A lot of residents are now worried about the prospect of e-bike or e-scooter battery fires in these blocks and whether we will be trapped or hurt if another incident occurs.”
The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have been caused by the failure of a lithium battery pack for a converted e-bike that was charging in the hallway of the flat.
Richard Tapp, the Borough Commander for Tower Hamlets, said: “This is sadly yet another example of the dangers e-bikes and e-scooters can pose if the battery fails catastrophically and catches fire. This can be caused by reasons including counterfeit or unsafe products being sold online, the wrong charger being used, or if components are fitted or used incorrectly.
“My crews were on scene in four minutes and quickly and professionally set about rescuing two people as well as tackling the fire. A number of e-bikes were being stored in the hallway and this fire shows just how dangerous blocking your escape route can be.
“Although the smoke alarm sounded, this incident also highlights the risks of charging while people are sleeping, as there is less time to react before the fire intensifies.”
E-bikes and e-scooters have become London’s fastest-growing fire trend; in 2023, there was a fire caused by exploding batteries once every two days on average. There was a 78% increase in e-bike fires in 2023 compared to 2022 (155 in 2023).
The Brigade has been running its #ChargeSafe campaign to raise awareness of the fire risks and seek changes to regulation to prevent poor quality batteries, chargers and conversion kits being sold via online marketplaces.
Fire risk: a UPP battery, the cause of one recent blaze
The fires often occur when the lithium batteries that power these vehicles fail and explode.
The Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, Charlie Pugsley, said: “The recent enforcement action taken by the Office for Product Safety and Standards is a welcome step towards reducing the risk of customers being exposed to dangerous products.
“The lithium batteries that power these vehicles have failed catastrophically and caused devastating fires. We’re asking people to check whether they have a UPP battery at home. If you do, stop using it right away, and contact the seller.
“Often, these batteries fail if they are used with the wrong charger, are faulty, counterfeit or become damaged. As part of our #ChargeSafe campaign, we are calling for much-needed legislation for online marketplaces to ensure products like batteries, chargers and conversion kits are strictly regulated.”
LFB’s safety tips for e-bike and e-scooter users:
- Never block your escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters. Store them somewhere away from a main through route. Our advice is to store these items in a safe external location if possible, such as a garage or a shed.
- Always use the correct charger, otherwise the risk of fire increases, and buy an official one from a reputable seller.
- Do not attempt to modify or tamper with your battery. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Converting pedal bikes into e-bikes using DIY kits bought online can be very dangerous. They can pose a higher risk of fire. Get a professional or competent person to carry out the conversion and make sure to buy a battery from a reputable seller and that it is not second-hand.
- Check your battery and charger meets UK safety standards. We have particular concern where batteries have been purchased from online marketplaces and when they’ve been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards. Consumers buying any product can check that the item displays a UKCA or CE mark that ensures that the products meet UK and EU safety, health or environmental requirements. If buying online, buy from a UK supplier.
- Watch out for signs that the battery or charger aren’t working as they should – for example if the battery is hot to the touch or has changed shape.
- Do not try and tackle the fire yourself. Get away and call 999.
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The very simple solution is that the police actually start to stop these people on the roads. It is very obvious who they are and normally they have a food delivery bag on their back. If the police don’t want to do anything the government should threaten to fine the likes of Uber and Deliveroo every time one of their delivery drivers is stopped on an illegal e-bike. That is the key thing here, they are pretty much always illegal. A legal e-bike gives 250w of power, requires pedalling and cuts out support at 15.5mph.
The City of London police recently touted their success at stopping people on illegal e-bikes, but frankly, the numbers they touted were embarrassing. Just 10 minutes a day stood on London Wall is all they need. In Croydon, they just need to wait on the Brighton Road or on the road past Mayday.
As someone who has been cycling in London for decades now it is frustrating seeing the roads filling with illegal e-bikes. The riders are a danger to themselves, a danger to others and don’t obey the law in many cases.
Don’t forget the e-scooters too. Despite the ban they are still being carried on trains!
And ridden on Croydon streets, where there is no enforcement
Last summer I was hit by someone on an e-scooter (albeit in Clapham). Two surgeries in the bag and my shoulder is still terrible. The police weren’t interested, despite video evidence. Their excuse was that e-scooters are unlicensed, so there is nothing they can do about them…. Our esteemed MP for South Croydon contacted the police too and their response to him was that they can’t do anything because the government allows e-scooters to be sold in shops. They also said that they’d made attempts at “educating” people, but surprisingly they hadn’t worked.
So if I legally buy a shotgun and discharge it in the street, that’s ok because the government allowed the sale?
Considering he’s the policing minister this sounds lame!