eBay to ban private e-bike sales amid huge fire and safety risks that can ‘destroy homes’

The ban follows concerns over the flammability of e-bikes and batteries which have risen 78 per cent in the past year, according to the London Fire Brigade.

E-bikes, which are also banned from being on any Transport for London network, have become more popular in recent years, particularly as an alternative travel method to cars.

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But the dangers they pose have been well documented with the London Fire Brigade attending155 e-bike fires in 2023.

So far in 2024, there have been 110 recorded e-bike fires. The Brigade warned that the majority of fires related to e-bikes and e-scooters have happened in homes and were usually caused when the vehicle was charging.

Deputy Commissioner Charlie Pugsley from the brigade told GB News: “E-bikes and e-scooters are a green and sustainable way to travel around our city. However, e-bikes and e-scooters can pose a significant fire risk and we’ve had more fires involving these vehicles in 2023 than any other year. They have destroyed homes and families have sadly lost loved ones in these fires.”

He warned that there is not the same level of regulation of products for e-bikes and e-scooters sold via online marketplaces or auction sites when compared to high street shops.

Batteries can also pose a risk if they have been damaged, with the Brigade urging riders to ensure they are not getting knocked around while in use or while being carried.

In response to the ban, an eBay spokesperson told GB News: “Consumer safety is a top priority for eBay. To further improve consumer safety in our marketplace, from October 31, 2024, only eligible business sellers will be able to list e-bikes and e-bike batteries for sale in the UK.

“This policy change is in addition to the CE audits of listings offering e-bike batteries that we started last year, where we check that the products sellers are offering have valid CE documentation.”

Charity Electrical Safety First welcomed the change by eBay but cautioned that more online marketplaces need to take reasonable steps to ensure products sold via their sites are safe.

The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, which was launched in September, hopes to ensure greater safety measures for consumers. It is currently making its way through Parliament.

The Bill would help decrease the chance of customers being exposed to buying unsafe products, such as lithium batteries, chargers and conversion kits which are dangerous and do not meet UK safety standards.

Pugsley commented: “The Product Safety and Metrology Bill is a really welcome step in the drive to reduce the worrying risk of e-bike and e-scooter fires, ultimately by decreasing the chance of customers being exposed to buying unsafe products, such as lithium batteries, chargers and conversion kits which are dangerous and do not meet UK safety standards.

“In London, we have seen a significant number of fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters, which have devastated lives and livelihoods.”

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Offering advice to riders looking to purchase an e-bike, the brigade suggested only looking at reputable sellers as many fires have involved second-hand vehicles or the bike has been modified using parts bought online.

"At this time, there is not the same level of regulation of products for e-bikes and e-scooters sold via online marketplaces or auction sites when compared to high street shops, so we cannot be confident that products meet the correct safety standard," London Fire Brigade stated.