Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First commented: “This legislation has the potential to transform our product safety laws, making them fit for the 21st century. We now have an opportunity to address new and emerging product safety risks – particularly the threat posed by substandard e-bike batteries, which continue to cause ferocious fires across the country, and the ‘wild west’ of online shopping, where dangerous goods are relentlessly sold.
“Whilst we welcome the Bill’s enactment and the speed at which the Government has moved, the forthcoming consultations must be bold, brave and robust to effectively tackle the serious risks posed by substandard e-bike batteries and dangerous goods sold online. These batteries and modified devices continue to cause life-threatening fires, injuring and tragically, in some cases, killing people in their homes. Strong new rules are urgently needed to keep poor-quality batteries and accessories off the market. Online marketplaces must finally be held legally responsible for the safety of products sold through their platforms.”