Charity needs firework-like rules for e-bike and e-scooter batteries
T
he Government has been informed to manage e-bike and e-scooter batteries like fireworks by a brand new report.
The report, by charity Electrical Safety First (ESF) recommends that the UK introduces necessary third-party approval for the automobiles’ batteries.
This would power producers to have their batteries accepted by an accredited third get together, reminiscent of a take a look at lab.
Once accepted, the merchandise would then be equipped with a certificates proving they meet security requirements.
Nothing is extra valuable than life and we wish to guarantee we do all we are able to to maintain substandard batteries off the market
If applied, the UK would observe New York City’s lead, after it launched the requirement following a sequence of deadly fires brought on by lithium-ion batteries.
It comes after a flat hearth brought on by an e-bike that had been left charging in a single day killed a mom and two younger kids in Cambridge earlier this month.
The report warns that with out higher regulation now, e-bikes and e-scooters threat an outright ban in future.
Lesley Rudd, chief government of Electrical Safety First, stated {that a} hearth brought on by a battery bursting into flames is “unique” and requires “special measures”.
“The huge amount of energy that is released over time when a battery bursts into flames is unlike other fires – in a matter of minutes a room can be decimated,” she stated.
“This unique type of fire requires special measures to tackle the increasing problem.”
She warned that substandard e-bike and e-scooter batteries are “claiming lives”.
“Substandard versions of these products are claiming lives, our recommendations are a first-of-their-kind to look at real solutions to tackling these fires and ensuring only safe products end up in people’s homes.
“Nothing is more precious than life and we want to ensure we do all we can to keep substandard batteries off the market.”
She added that the general public can purchase their scooters solely from a “reputable” retailer.
“Once in people’s homes they are incredibly difficult to get out. Our recommendation would help to ensure that there are stricter rules around new e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries entering the market and to get on top of this problem once and for all,” she stated.
“We would urge people to only buy their e-bike or e-scooter from a reputable retailer and to use a compatible charger with the device to reduce the risk of a ferocious fire.”