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Fires resulting from low-quality e-scooter batteries and chargers are a ‘fast growing trend’

30 August 2023

It was recently revealed that the London Fire Brigade (LFB) had recorded 93 fires originating from e-bikes and 18 from e-scooters so far in 2023.

There have been three deaths from battery fires in London.

LFB Assistant Commissioner Charlie Pugsley has labelled the fires, resulting from cheap batteries and inappropriate charging devices, the “fastest growing fire trend" in London.

Whilst manufactured e-bikes and scooters are built to comply with safety regulations, issues are arising when people convert regular bicycles into e-bikes using unregulated conversion kits. Similarly, poorly fitting and low-quality chargers are also causing problems.

Combined, these factors contribute to 40 per cent of all fires originating from e-bikes and scooters – which can destroy a room within minutes.

The charity Electrical Safety First undertook an investigation in 2022 which found that chargers with no fuse, that fail to meet UK safety standards, are available to purchase online. 

It was also discovered that 43 per cent of those using e-bikes and e-scooters purchased chargers separately – potentially resulting in poor compatibility, which can result in a fire.

Contract hire and fleet management specialists 

We at Marshall Leasing are interested in road safety and we trust you find this information interesting.

If you would like to find out more about how you could benefit from our all-inclusive fleet management offering, please get in touch with our team of experts by emailing info@marshall-leasing.co.uk or calling 01480 414541. We will be delighted to assist.

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