The “E-Bike Positive” campaign aims to help people identify high-quality and legal e-bike products.
The UK cycling sector, including industry associations, e-bike brands, bike shops and charities, has become a “The E-Bike Positive campaign aims to improve knowledge about the safety of e-bike batteries and help the public buy, charge and ride them safely.
Launched by the Electric Bike Alliance, whose members include Cycling UK, the Bicycle Association, the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) and Bosch eBike Systems,It also advises the Government on how to better protect UK consumers and businesses and helps people identify high-quality, legal e-bike products using free resources.
More than 100 competent local bike shops have already committed to only supply, sell and repair UK-approved and safety-tested e-bikes. There will also be battery safety guides, resources and independent advice for buyers, cyclists, e-bike sellers and the media.
In addition, the e-bike industry is developing a new program to highlight renowned quality brands that subject their e-bikes and batteries to thorough safety testing.
> “Buying a complete e-bike is generally safer” – new government guidelines worry DIY conversions
Research by the Electric Bike Alliance found that 23% of UK adults are hesitant to buy an e-bike after reading about recent battery fires, and 25% are worried about being able to charge batteries nearby.
However, almost two-thirds (64%) of UK adults say that e-bike training would reduce their concerns about purchasing and using an electric bike.
According to the London Fire Brigade, e-bikes and e-scooters pose “the fastest growing fire risk” in the capital. However, these are often second-hand vehicles or the bikes have been modified with parts purchased online.
> 10 people rescued from e-bike house fire after passing construction worker set up a “makeshift ladder”
Meanwhile, a new survey of UK bike shop staff has found that this problem is also affecting high street bike shops: 95 percent of staff have heard concerns about battery fires from potential customers and 25 percent said it had damaged their business.
Many bike shops now refuse to sell batteries without brand names or unknown brands. Energise E-bikes recently informed ebiketips that the The question of fire safety is now raised more often at events than the question of whether e-bikes are “cheating”.
Jonathan Harrison, Director of ACT, said: “E-bikes are a great modern transport solution for almost everyone. They encourage a more active lifestyle and make cycling with friends and family of varying abilities possible.
“Electric bikes are growing in popularity, so it’s important to help consumers differentiate between high-quality, reliable e-bike products and those that are inferior or potentially dangerous, such as aftermarket lithium-ion batteries, chargers and conversion kits from unreliable sources.”
> E-bike safety: What you should pay attention to when buying an e-bike, battery and charger
Harrison said the ACT was encouraging bike shops and mechanics across the UK to give consumers more confidence by E-Bike Positive dealer promise.
“They can follow certain guidelines when selling or servicing e-bike products to ensure compliance with legal and safety standards. These measures help protect companies and customers by promoting safe use.”
Sarah McMonagle, director of external affairs at Cycling UK, said: “Like traditional bikes, e-bikes promote physical and mental health, improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions. They are a great option for people who cycle in hilly areas, have mobility issues, transport children or shopping, or simply don’t want to work up a sweat on their commute.”
“When bought from reputable manufacturers, e-bikes are very safe, which is why we support this awareness campaign and Cycling UK’s ongoing calls for the UK government to make e-bikes more accessible.”
> London Fire Brigade says Amazon and Deliveroo have “recognised the role they can play” when it comes to e-bike safety
