Calls for certification of of e-bike and e-scooter batteries

The London Assembly has today called on the Mayor to lobby for third-party certification of batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters in response to the increasing number of fires caused by poor-quality batteries which are often fitted to vehicles inappropriately. 

The London Fire Brigade have described such batteries as the capital’s greatest fire risk, pointing particularly towards the use of incompatible chargers, modifications, faulty or counterfeit products and conversion kits for e-bikes.

Assembly member Hina Bokhari proposed the motion which was agreed unanimously. She said: ‘Since 2021, I have tirelessly called for action and public awareness to prevent property damage, injury and death as a result of faulty lithium-ion battery fires.

‘Cheap batteries that are often sold online can be used to adapt bikes and scooters often causing the increasing number of fires in London. These batteries contain the energy equivalent to six hand grenades, and when thermal runaway occurs, can burn at temperatures of up to 600 degrees centigrade.

‘I welcome the Government’s positive intentions to finally introduce regulation, we must ensure that it is implemented without further delay.

‘To prevent further deaths and injuries, action must be taken.’

Anne Clarke, who seconded the motion, said: ‘The alarming rise in fires caused by substandard lithium-ion batteries is a growing safety risk that we cannot ignore.

‘Londoners deserve peace of mind that the products they buy are safe. That’s why I fully support the call for mandatory third-party certification of e-bike and e-scooter batteries, stronger regulation of online marketplaces, and greater enforcement resources for Trading Standards.

‘By taking these steps, we can ensure that these innovative modes of transport remain safe, reliable, and beneficial for all.’

The full text of the motion is:

This Assembly Notes:

• E-bike and e-scooter fires have been identified by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) as London’s fastest growing fire risk.
• Electrical Safety First has found evidence of severe fire hazards associated with substandard lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters.
• E-bikes and e-scooters batteries do not currently require third-party certification in order to ensure their safety, increasing the risk of unsafe products being sold and used across London.
• Unregulated and often unsafe conversion kits are used to convert standard bikes to e-bikes are often sold online.

This Assembly calls on the Mayor to:

• Advocate for third-party certification of the batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters: Support Electrical Safety First’s call to mandate third-party safety assessments, conducted by a government-approved body, for all e-bikes, e-scooters, and their lithium-ion batteries before they enter the UK market;
• Promote regulation of online marketplaces – work with relevant authorities to push for mandatory safety accountability for online marketplaces, requiring them to conduct compliance checks and remove unsafe e-bikes and e-scooters from sale; and
• Ensure adequate enforcement resources – call for increased funding and resources for Trading Standards and other regulatory bodies, so they can effectively monitor and enforce compliance with safety standards for e-bikes, e-scooters, and their components across London.

Wayne Mackay, Head of Public Affairs at Electrical Safety First, who have long campaigned for such a move said: ‘Today’s motion highlights the urgent need for stronger laws to address the growing risk of battery fires linked to e-bikes and e-scooters. Too often, these fires are caused by poorly made products sold on under-regulated online marketplaces. I want to thank Hina for her tireless work in raising awareness of this issue.

‘The impact of these fires on our communities demands immediate action. Our proposals – introducing third-party certification and stricter regulation of online marketplaces – will protect consumers, support reputable manufacturers, and help eliminate unsafe products from the market. This is a vital step toward preventing more deadly fires across London.’