West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is formally backing a campaign calling for tough new laws to prevent deadly e-bike battery blazes.
The campaign, headed by consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First, calls for the stronger regulation of e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries.
Electrical Safety First is calling for the introduction of mandatory third-party certification for e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries, to end manufacturers being able to self-declare their batteries are safe, new safety standards for conversion kits and charging systems, and the better regulation of online marketplaces to prevent substandard products making their way into people’s homes.
The support of WMFS comes at a pivotal moment as the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill makes its way through the House of Commons.
The Bill is expected to tackle key issues, including the safety of products sold through online marketplaces and the regulation of products such as e-bikes and their batteries.
Lesley Rudd, chief executive at Electrical Safety First, commented: “The increasing number of fires caused by e-bike and e-scooter batteries, not only in the West Midlands but right across the country, shows how urgently we need new laws to tackle this issue. It’s imperative that the Government’s Product Regulation and Metrology Bill adequately addresses the problem.
“We’re thrilled to have the backing of West Midlands Fire Service, who are all too familiar with the devastating impact substandard e-bike battery fires can wreak on households. Their involvement is pivotal in tackling this deadly issue and bringing about improved safety measures.”
Emily Fernandez, Head of Prevention for West Midlands Fire Service, said: “West Midlands Fire Service is pleased to support Electrical Safety First’s important campaign to improve safety around e-bike batteries. We also continue to work closely with others in the sector – including London Fire Brigade – in support of the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill.
“Educating people about the risks of lithium-ion batteries, and raising awareness, is vital. If we can help increase understanding, we can help influence safer choices. Preventing potentially serious and tragic incidents is far better than people needing to call for our help should the unthinkable happen.”
WMFS is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, and the area has seen a 50% increase in fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters over the last two years.
In September 2023, a fire broke out on the 11th floor of a tower block in Coventry, which was caused by an e-bike battery. The incident was attended by approximately 50 firefighters.
Sadly, just over a year later, in November 2024, a devastating fire in Coventry caused by a battery within a converted e-bike claimed the lives of Natasha Johnson-Mall, Karlo Bogdan and their two dogs.