E-bikes and e-scooters are increasingly popular as eco-friendly transportation options, but their lithium-ion batteries pose a serious fire risk if not properly manufactured, maintained, or used. To tackling this growing concern the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) have published statutory guidance for businesses and launched a “Buy Safe, Be Safe” product safety campaign.
New Statutory Guidance on Lithium-Ion Batteries for E-Bikes
The OPSS has published statutory guidance to assist businesses in ensuring the safety of lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes. These guidelines are essential for producers and distributors, outlining the safety mechanisms that lithium-ion batteries must include to mitigate the risk of thermal runaway—a process that can lead to fires or explosions.
Key facts about Lithium-Ion battery risks:
- In 2023, there were nearly 200 fires in the UK involving e-bikes and e-scooters, resulting in at least 10 fatalities.
- Thermal runaway, often triggered by overcharging, physical damage, or manufacturing defects, is the main cause of these incidents.
The guidance requires producers and distributors of lithium-ion batteries and e-bike conversion kits to assess compliance with the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (GPSR) in Great Britain. By adhering to these guidelines, businesses can ensure that their products meet legal safety standards and reduce the risk of unsafe batteries entering the market.
The publication of these guidelines strengthens enforcement measures and protects consumers by preventing substandard products from reaching shelves. Businesses can access the full guidance on the Government website here.
The “Buy Safe, Be Safe” Campaign
The “Buy Safe, Be Safe” product safety campaign is designed to support raising awareness about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters.
The campaign toolkit includes resources to help partners disseminate key messages effectively, such as posters, social media templates, and informational guides. By leveraging these materials, stakeholders can play a role in improving public safety and reducing fire incidents related to e-bikes and e-scooters.
The toolkit is now available with bilingual assets and includes blog, email and social media content as well as digital and printable assets. Download the toolkit.
