The Safety of Electric-Powered Micromobility Vehicles and Lithium-Ion Batteries Bill
We're campaigning to fix an urgent issue – the alarming rise in deaths and injuries resulting from fires and explosions caused by e-scooter and e-bike batteries. We need your support to put a stop to this dangerous trend. We're calling for Government intervention through our Battery Breakdown campaign.
The Facts
Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in e-scooters and e-bikes have multiplied fourfold since 2020, resulting in deaths, hospitalisations, homelessness, and staggering financial losses. Over 190 people have been injured, and eight lives lost due to this concerning trend. The UK is now facing a disturbing projection of nearly one e-bike or e-scooter fire per day this year, a significant leap from just over one per week in 2020. This issue is widespread across the UK- in the last 18 months there have been battery fires in over 100 UK parliamentary constituencies.
Our Solution
Our proposed Bill is the answer to these mounting challenges. Here's what it covers:
- Clause 1: Safety Assurance -This clause mandates a third-party safety assessment, conducted by a government-approved body, for all e-bikes, e-scooters, and their lithium-ion batteries before they enter the UK market. This process mirrors safety measures in place for other high-risk products like fireworks and heavy machinery.
- Clause 2: Responsible Disposal -This clause requires the Government to make regulations ensuring the safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries once their lifecycle ends.
- Clause 3: Comprehensive Fire Safety -This clause assigns the Government the responsibility of comprehensively addressing fire-related concerns. This involves enhancing safe usage, charging, and storage practices for these devices. It includes setting standards for conversion kits and fire-resistant containers. The legislation may also consider prohibiting universal chargers that heighten fire risks.
- Additional Clauses: The remaining clauses handle technical definitions and empower devolved assemblies.
Prominent voices like the National Fire Chiefs Council, local Fire and Rescue Services, insurance companies, and various organisations have issued warnings about the gravity of the lithium-ion battery situation.
Backed by Experts
Act Now
We need to act. This legislation is essential to save lives and safeguard communities across the UK. To lend your support to this critical Bill, please get in touch with:
Wayne Mackay
Head of Policy and Public Affairs,
Electrical Safety First
wayne.mackay@electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk
For additional information and the need for these proposals, please read ourexplanatory note.
Together, we can help prevent# BatteryBreakdownand the devastating consequences.