ChargeSafe- safety tips for e-bikes and e-scooters

Over the next few months, we are running a campaign to highlight the fire risk of e-bike and e-scooters.

Most fires related to e-bikes and e-scooters have occurred when the bike/scooter batteries are being charged.

If you own an e-bike or e-scooter follow our tips below:

• Use the correct charger for your battery
• Always buy any replacement chargers from a reputable seller.
• Don’t charge e-bikes and e-scooters in bedrooms or where escape routes can be blocked – for example, hallways.
• Don’t leave your battery charging unattended, when you are out or while you are asleep.
• Don’t cover chargers or battery packs when charging
• Don’t overload sockets or use inappropriate extension leads
• Don’t charge or store batteries in direct sunlight or in hot locations (above
• 45⁰C)
• Don’t charge batteries close to combustible materials or hazardous substances.
• Always unplug your charger when you have finished charging
• If your battery can be removed from your e-bike or e-scooter and charged separately, it should be charged on a hard flat surface where heat can disperse and in area with good ventilation.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using your product

If you notice any of the following you should stop using or charging your battery straight away:

• Overheating: If your device’s battery feels extremely hot to the touch
• Deformation: If your battery looks swollen. Similar signs include any type of lump or leaking from the device.
• Noise: If your battery is making hissing or cracking sounds.
• Smell: If you notice a strong or unusual smell coming from the battery
• Performance: If your battery does not fully charge or is taking longer to charge than normal
• Smoke: If your battery or device is smoking

If you’re considering buying an e-scooter or e-bike make sure to go to a reputable retailers and check the product is marked with a CE or UKCA mark to ensure they comply with UK product safety standards.

Once you’ve bought it make sure to register it with the manufacturer to validate any warranties and make it easier for manufacturers to contact you in the event of a safety issue e.g. product recall.