"The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has said the number is likely to exceed 200 by the end of the year. The cause has often been found to have involved incompatible lithium-ion batteries or faulty conversion kits overheating. The LFB is urging Christmas shoppers to avoid buying the vehicles from online marketplaces as they may not meet safety standards, and to buy from a high street retailer instead."
"During an awareness event, LFB tried to grab the attention of Black Friday shoppers by broadcasting a video on the digital advertising screens at Piccadilly Circus urging people tempted by an online e-bike deal to "think twice". London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith said: "As we have seen, these fires have devastating consequences they are fast, explosive, toxic and can be fatal." He said buying from an online marketplace could significantly increase the risk of fire due to the lack of regulation. "Without knowing it, you could be purchasing a faulty, damaged or incompatible product and putting yourself, and everyone around you at risk.""
More than 200 fires in London this year are likely to be linked to e-bikes and e-scooters, with incompatible lithium-ion batteries and faulty conversion kits frequently overheating. Fire crews have responded to an average of 18 such battery-caused fires per month throughout 2025. Two people have died in e-bike fires this year, bringing the total to five since 2023. The London Fire Brigade is advising shoppers to avoid buying these vehicles from online marketplaces that may not meet safety standards and to purchase from high-street retailers. Warning signs include excessive heat and bulging or swollen batteries.
Read at www.bbc.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]