A new safety initiative aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of purchasing faulty e-bikes, e-scooters, and their components has been launched by the Department for Business and Trade. The campaign, titled “Buy Safe, Be Safe,” encourages consumers to buy only from reputable sellers and steer clear of rogue online retailers.
E-bikes and e-scooters are increasingly popular as affordable and eco-friendly modes of transport in urban areas. However, concerns are mounting over the safety of these vehicles, with the London Fire Brigade reporting that e-bike and e-scooter-related fires occur every two days. Unsafe products, including incompatible parts and defective batteries, are often sold by untrustworthy online vendors, leading to numerous incidents and serious injuries across the UK.
The campaign focuses on three essential messages: consumers should only purchase safe products from reliable sources, replace parts with those recommended by manufacturers, and seek professional assistance for repairs or modifications.
In collaboration with retailers, manufacturers, online marketplaces, trade associations, and consumer groups, the Department aims to spread awareness and provide resources to help ensure public safety. Additional information about the campaign can be found on the UK government website.
Product Safety Minister Justin Madders emphasised the importance of the campaign, stating: “E-bikes can be a great way to travel around the city, 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.”
Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood added that while e-bikes have transformed urban mobility, the presence of unreliable online retailers poses significant risks. “These rogue sellers not only risk bringing defective and dangerous batteries into people’s homes but undermine confidence in active travel as a whole,” he stated.
Currently, e-scooters remain illegal for public use outside designated rental trial areas, while e-bikes are permitted as long as they do not exceed an output of 250 watts or travel faster than 15.5 mph.
The campaign will feature a social media initiative, including how-to video guides and informational materials for retailers to distribute in stores and online. This effort is part of broader government initiatives to combat the sale of hazardous goods online.
In September, the Government announced the new Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, which aims to tighten safety regulations around products sold through online marketplaces. The Bill seeks to enhance consumer protection and hold sellers accountable for safety compliance.
Craig Carter, Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection at the London Fire Brigade, warned of the increasing fire risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters. “E-bikes and e-scooters can pose a significant fire risk, especially their batteries, which have become one of London’s fastest-growing fire hazards,” he explained.
Industry experts and safety advocates echoed these concerns, urging consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing e-bikes and e-scooters. Chris Hall, Head of Quality at Halfords, emphasised that reputable retailers ensure products are properly certified and safe to use.
As the popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters continues to grow, the “Buy Safe, Be Safe” campaign aims to provide consumers with the information necessary to make safe and informed choices, ultimately enhancing public safety and confidence in these innovative modes of transport.
Find full details about the ‘Buy Safe, Be Safe’ campaign here: (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/buy-safe-be-safe-avoid-e-bike-and-e-scooter-fires)
For our information on buying safely, how to store your product safely and best practice for charging, you can also find more information from the London Fire Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign here: (https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/chargesafe?utm_source=DBT&utm_medium=Partner-Website)
