Lives at risk over e-bike battery conversions - LFB

Londoners are buying cheap lithium batteries online and converting bicycles into e-bikes, putting lives at risk, London Fire Brigade (LFB) says.

Last year, the fire service was called out to 87 fires involving e-bikes, up from 49 in 2021.

Batteries that may not adhere to UK safety regulations are "more likely to fail and catch fire", a spokesperson for the brigade said on Twitter.

It is "concerned" that some conversion kits could be putting people at risk.

Faulty batteries can also swell out of shape, make a hissing or cracking sound, emit a strong smell and smoke, and fail to hold their charge.

"In 2023 we've been called to, on average, an e-bike or e-scooter fire once every two days," LFB said.

Conversion kits allow people to fix an electric motor to their bicycle, but some are sold without a battery.

This leads people to buy them separately, sometimes from a different, cheaper seller, the brigade said.

"Buying batteries second-hand means you may be buying a battery that is already damaged and a fire risk," it added.

"DIY installations can also lead to damage of the kit, increasing the chances of battery failure and the likelihood of a fire."

The brigade recommended that Londoners hired a professional to carry out the conversion.

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