Electric bikes are rightly newsworthy, though in recent times many of the headlines have focused on the dangers of e-bike battery fires rather than their ability to get more people cycling.
While both the cycling industry and advocacy groups would undoubtedly prefer the attention to focus on the positive benefits of e-bike usage, the problems surrounding aftermarket lithium-ion batteries and chargers, often bought online and from less-than-reputable sellers, can’t be ignored. According to Electrical Safety First, since 2020 e-bike and e-scooter battery fires have accounted for over 190 injuries and at least 13 lives in the UK. The campaign group adds that projections show that fires are due to reach one per day. Understandably, the public is concerned.
