Transport for London (TfL) has announced that all non-folding e-bikes will be banned on parts of the London’s transport network from 31 March to ensure the safety of customers and staff.
Responding to this announcement, London Fire Brigade Deputy Commissioner for Prevention, Protection & Policy, Charlie Pugsley, said: "We welcome this move by Transport for London following their detailed safety review, as it acknowledges the risks that we know e-bike batteries can pose.
"While we recognise the sustainable benefits e-bikes, and micro mobility generally, bring to our city, the reality is that across London we have been seeing an e-bike or e-scooter fire every other day, on average, and we have particular concern about the risk posed by conversion kits or modified e-bikes. When these fires occur, they can be sudden, incredibly ferocious and produce smoke that is extremely toxic.
"As part of London Fire Brigade's #ChargeSafe campaign, we have been raising awareness about the fire risks and educating Londoners on how they can store and charge their e-bikes safely. We are also working closely with the Government to improve the regulation around e-bikes and e-scooters. We hope this will reduce the risk of consumers being exposed to products like batteries and chargers that are more likely to malfunction because of the way they have been built, especially if they have been brought from an online market place or auction site where products may not meet safety standards.”