Sadiq Khan warns Londoners of e-bike and e-scooter fire risks during Black Friday
- Sadiq Khan has warned about the dangers of purchasing e-bikes and e-scooters during Black Friday sales, citing significant fire risks.
- The London Fire Brigade reported 124 fires involving e-bikes and 24 involving e-scooters this year, primarily from overheating batteries.
- Authorities advise residents to exercise caution and ensure product safety when buying these vehicles, especially second-hand ones.
In the UK, particularly London, authorities warned about the significant fire risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters, especially during the upcoming Black Friday sales. Since the introduction of e-bikes in October 2022, there has been a notable rise in fire incidents attributed to these vehicles, with 124 fires related to e-bikes and 24 to e-scooters reported by the London Fire Brigade this year alone. The majority of these incidents occurred while the vehicles were charging in homes, resulting in overheating batteries. Sadiq Khan, the London Mayor, reaffirmed the need for safety while urging residents to be cautious about their purchases and to consider the risks associated with e-bike batteries. This warning aligns with similar advisories from other local councils and highlights growing concerns about safety standards for e-bikes and e-scooters sold online. Notably, safety experts emphasized the importance of buying certified products and recommended thorough checks before purchase, especially in light of the increasing incidents of fires from poorly manufactured or modified vehicles.