![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/e-bike-battery-fires-spark-call-to-regulate-like-fireworks/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/130512377_1165404c-2be6-48a2-ab71-31ac05a6562d.jpg&description=Media caption, West Midlands Fire Service said devices should always be charged safely Batteries for e-bikes should be as tightly regulated as fireworks, heavy machinery or medical devices because of the fire-risk they pose, a charity has said. Currently, manufacturers can self-declare that e-bike and e-scooter batteries meet safety standards. But campaigners Electrical Safety First says these batteries should instead need third-party approval before sale. Cambridgeshire Fire Service said the bike was the "most probable cause" of the fatal blaze in June, and it is investigating the e-bike that was left charging in the flat. Meanwhile, the London Fire Brigade said it has been called to a fire caused by these batteries once every two days on average in 2023. "The huge amount of energy that is released over time when a battery bursts into flames is unlike other fires," said Electrical Safety First chief executive Lesley Rudd. A room could be destroyed "in a matter of minutes" she said. "This unique type of fire requires special measures to tackle the increasing problem." The UK should adopt regulation similar to rules introduced in New York City in March 2023, Ms Rudd believes. The US city has signed into law legislation which requires e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries to meet standards set by a third party with expertise in battery technology. "We need to get on top of this issue now to prevent more lives being lost," said Ms Rudd. "There are too many reckless operators in this space, such as third-party sellers on online marketplaces, who are risking the lives of the public and giving responsible manufacturers of these products a bad name." According to the London Fire Brigade website, e-bike and e-scooter batteries "can start incredibly ferocious fires" if they get damaged or fail. "Lithium battery fires can spread quickly out of control, and within minutes have started a large fire," it says. Lancaster-based Andrew Beaton said his family are facing "upwards o){kind=link}
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West Midlands Fire Service said devices should always be charged safely
Batteries for e-bikes should be as tightly regulated as fireworks, heavy machinery or medical devices because of the fire-risk they pose, a charity has said.
In June, a woman and two children died in a fire linked to an e-bike battery.
Currently, manufacturers can self-declare that e-bike and e-scooter batteries meet safety standards.