eBay clamps down on e-bike rules

eBay has introduced new rules to improve e-bike safety, especially around the sale of batteries and charging kits.

Starting from 31st October, eBayers in the UK will no longer be allowed to sell used electric bike batteries. In addition, only registered businesses will be permitted to list new batteries, chargers, and e-bike conversion kits. These changes aim to ensure that all products on the site meet UK safety standards.

At the same time, a new law being discussed in parliament called the Product Safety and Metrology Bill is focussed on clamping down on low-quality products such as the universal chargers that are sold without proper safety checks.

Recent media coverage has highlighted concerns about e-bike safety, but many of the dangers come from modified bikes that act more like electric motorbikes than e-bikes. Legally, e-bikes are limited to 250 watts of continuous power and a top speed of 15.5 mph when using electric assistance. Any modification beyond this means the vehicle may no longer be classed as an e-bike unless it meets certain legal approvals.

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E-bike battery fire risk

Ebay is changing its rules on selling e-bikes to address the fear of battery fires. With an estimated two million e-bikes in the UK, and sales on the up, fires are on the increase. However, they occur at a rate of less than one per day.

To put that in perspective, 100,000 cars go up in flames every year resulting in the death of around 100 people. That's nearly 300 vehicles fires every day. However, given electric bicycles are most often charged inside the home, it's a risk worth guarding against - especially when the safeguards are so easy to follow.

E-bike fire risk advice

The greatest risk of e-bike fires stems from poor quality electric bicycles, chargers and batteries sold by disreputable dealers. E-bike conversion kits that have not been installed by a professional, and mismatching batteries and chargers also increase any risk.

The UK government recommends these five steps when buying and charging your e-bike:

• Only buy an e-bike, e-scooter, charger or battery from a known seller and check any product reviews
• Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using e-bikes or e-scooters
• Not all e-bike or e-scooter batteries and chargers are compatible or safe when used together. Check and only use the manufacturer’s recommended battery or charger
• Always charge in a safe place without blocking exits and always unplug your charger when you have finished charging
• Never attempt to modify or tamper with your battery
  

Lithium ion battery safety

Most of us already use lithium ion batteries in devices such mobile phones, laptops and cordless tools, and do so safely. Most of the fire risk occurs with products that don't conform with the CE or UKCA mark, or mixing and matching batteries and chargers. E-bike are no different.

Before a lithium-ion battery catches fire, there may be warning signs. Stop using or charging your battery immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Excessive heat, or smoke
• Swelling or leaks
• Hissing or cracking sound
• A strong or unusual smell
• A sudden deterioration in performance

If the charger or battery starts smoking or catches fire, raise the alarm, get out, stay out and call 999 immediately. Remember to report your faulty charger or battery to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service.

Charging e-bike batteries

The fire service has the following advice on how to charge e-bike batteries:

• 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.

E-bike insurance

The ETA covers all road-legal electric bicycles. And we include battery theft and Cycle Rescue at no additional cost. If your e-bike develops a mechanical fault, you can call on our breakdown team 24/7.

Read a full list of everything we include as standard.

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The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

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