New Guidance Issued to Address E-Bike Fire Risks

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has introduced new statutory guidelines for manufacturers and distributors of lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes.

Released on 12 December 2024, the guidelines mark a significant step in the government’s efforts to mitigate the risks of fires caused by unsafe e-bikes and related products.

Key Provisions in the New Guidance

The guidelines require that lithium-ion batteries incorporate a safety mechanism designed to prevent thermal runaway—a phenomenon that can lead to severe fires or explosions:

"Poorly designed or poorly manufactured lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and e-scooters present a risk of thermal runaway. These guidelines mandate that lithium-ion batteries must contain a safety mechanism to address that risk."

Businesses producing or distributing these batteries must ensure compliance with the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (GPSR) in Great Britain. The GPSR applies to all lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes, including those sold online or as part of conversion kits. Selling unsafe products is a legal offence under these regulations.

Addressing Safety Risks

The guidelines emphasize the importance of integrating battery protective systems or equivalent safety features to prevent thermal runaway during normal use or foreseeable misuse. Manufacturers are encouraged to:

Prove that their batteries meet safety standards to protect against thermal runaway.
Compile technical documentation showing the performance of safety mechanisms.
Retain product test reports for verification.

Distributors must also exercise due diligence, ensuring that only safe products reach the market and refraining from supplying products they know or suspect to be hazardous.

E-Bike Fire Concerns and Government Action

According to OPSS, at least 10 fire-related fatalities involving lithium-ion battery-powered e-bikes or e-scooters occurred in 2023. Recognizing this growing concern, the government has launched multiple initiatives:

In October 2024, OPSS introduced the ‘Buy Safe, Be Safe’ campaign, collaborating with retailers, manufacturers, and consumer groups to warn against the dangers of non-compliant or counterfeit e-bikes and e-scooters.
A new Product Regulation and Metrology Bill was announced earlier this year to regulate the sale of e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries on online platforms.
Online marketplace eBay banned the private sale of e-bikes in the UK, allowing only eligible business sellers to list e-bikes and batteries from 31 October 2024.

Product Safety Minister Justin Madders highlighted the urgency of these measures:

"E-bikes can be a great way to travel, but we’ve all seen the tragic stories of unsafe e-bikes and e-scooters causing dangerous fires and taking lives. That’s why we’re urging everyone to check what you’re buying, check where you’re buying it from, and ensure it’s safe to use."

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