With an estimated 400,000 UK consumers expected to purchase e-bikes this year, QBE has issued a warning to Christmas shoppers, highlighting the increased fire risk associated with unregulated imports of e-bikes and their batteries.
According to QBE, fires involving e-bikes are four times more likely to be caused by cheap, non-certified components, emphasising the importance of purchasing from reputable retailers.
Recent data from QBE reveals that UK fire services responded to 70% more e-bike fires and 7% more e-scooter fires in 2023 compared to 2022.
The total number of fires linked to lithium-ion batteries rose by 46% over the same period, with 921 incidents recorded in 2023, up from 630 the previous year. Fires involving e-bikes increased from 158 to 270, while e-scooter incidents rose from 117 to 125.
The findings attribute many of these incidents to the use of incompatible or substandard batteries, as well as defective components purchased from unauthorised sellers online. In response to such concerns, platforms like eBay have restricted the sale of e-bikes and batteries to verified business sellers.
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has also launched the "Buy Safe, Be Safe" campaign, urging consumers to avoid rogue online retailers.
QBE advises buyers to prioritise products bearing a CE mark, which indicates compliance with European safety standards, reducing risks like overheating and electrical malfunctions.
Adrian Simmonds (pictured above), practice leader for property risk solutions at QBE, noted that the rapid adoption of lithium-ion technology has outpaced regulatory measures.
“The lithium-ion batteries used in these products frequently lack essential safety certifications, leaving consumers unaware of potential fire hazards. While we fully endorse the shift towards electric transport, the rapid adoption of lithium-ion batteries has outpaced existing regulatory frameworks,” he said.
He underscored the need for updated legislation, such as the DBT’s proposed Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, and third-party safety certifications to address these risks.
Simmonds highlighted the dangers of lithium-ion battery fires, which can result in a phenomenon called "thermal runaway." This process, triggered by physical damage, overcharging, or excessive heat, leads to intense overheating, the release of flammable gases, and rapid-fire spread.
Unlike conventional fires, thermal runaway incidents are difficult to extinguish and can cause significant property damage and injury.
To mitigate risks, QBE recommends purchasing e-bikes and e-scooters from reputable retailers, ensuring safety certifications like the CE mark, and using only manufacturer-approved chargers.
Charging should be done in well-ventilated spaces away from heat sources, and devices should not be left unattended or charged overnight. Damaged batteries should be treated with caution due to an increased fire risk.
QBE’s report also addresses the broader use of lithium-ion batteries, which power a wide range of products, from smartphones and laptops to electric cars and energy storage systems. With over a billion smartphones sold globally in 2023 and record electric car sales, lithium-ion batteries are integral to modern technology. However, their increasing prevalence underscores the need for enhanced safety measures.
The insurer continues to advocate for heightened awareness of lithium-ion technology's risks among manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, providing resources and guidance through its latest resilience report.
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