OPSS introduces statutory guidelines on lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes

Last year, there were at least ten fire-related fatalities in the UK involving e-bikes or e-scooters powered by lithium-ion batteries. Poorly designed or manufactured lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and e-scooters present a risk of thermal runaway, which can result in a serious fire or explosion. The new OPSS guidelines mandate that lithium-ion batteries must contain a safety mechanism to address this risk.

Producers and distributors of lithium-ion batteries must take the guidelines into account when assessing whether their product meets legal requirements under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 in Britain.

The latter apply to all lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes, including those sold online or for use with (or as part of) a conversion kit. It’s an offence to place a lithium-ion battery on the market if it’s not a safe product.

As the UK’s national product regulator, the OPSS has the powers to enforce the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. There are sanctions (including criminal sanctions) for those that don’t comply.

‘Buy Safe. Be Safe’ campaign

The introduction of these statutory guidelines follows the October launch of the Government’s ‘Buy Safe. Be Safe’ campaign, which is designed to help the public to buy safe e-bikes and e-scooters and avoid rogue online sellers. The Government has partnered with retailers, manufacturers, online marketplaces and consumer groups to promote the consumer advice.

The OPSS has already acted to remove unsafe batteries from the market. In January, two models of Unit Power Pack e-bike batteries being manufactured in China and linked to incidents in the UK were prevented from being supplied to consumers.

Regulatory action against non-compliant and unsafe products forms part of wider Government activity orchestrated to make sure that Westminster’s ambition for increasing the use of cleaner modes of transport, including the use of e-bikes and e-scooters, is supported by consumers being able to purchase safe and secure products.

*Read the statutory guidelines on lithium-ion battery safety for e-bikes