Call for Safer E-Bikes after Series of Battery Fires

“With so many counterfeit and cheaply-made batteries on the market, it’s easy to get duped,” says Lib Dem campaigner Mark Morris, “But the difference between a fake and the real thing can cost lives.”

Properly used, Lithium-ion batteries are safe and used in everything from e-bikes to power tools, but poor quality batteries have been blamed for hundreds of fires across London last year, including at least 20 in Lewisham, one fatal.

These fake or “off brand” batteries are often prone to overheat while charging or to short circuit – leading to sudden failure.

“This issue was raised in the House of Lords and on the London Assembly over 18 months ago,” says Mark, “but we are still waiting for action from the government and in the meantime people are getting injured and even killed.”

Liberal Democrats are backing a three-point plan for safer batteries:

• Testing. Every make and model of lithium-ion battery should undergo independent safety testing before going on sale in the UK.
• Online. Internet retailers like Amazon and Ebay must be regulated so that only UK-Approved batteries are for sale here.
• Checks. Trading Standards need to be more proactive in carrying out checks on potentially hazardous items for sale – especially batteries.

“As more and more of us have rechargeable tech with these batteries in our homes, it is essential we can be confident they are safe and regulated,” added Mark.