Top tips on preventing e-bike fires from UK Electric Bike Centre

With news reported more and more frequently of e-bike fires, Marcus Van der Gaag, who runs the South East’s largest e-bike showroom, UK Electric Bike Centre, gives his advice on avoiding e-bike fire hazards.

Buy a compliant e-bike

Buy from a reputable retailer, go and see the e-bike before you buy it and check it meets UK standards, easily available on gov.uk (search ‘Electric bikes: licensing, tax and insurance).

Battery & charger

Check they have relevant safety certificates, such as CE or UL. If they don’t, do not buy – they may be poorly made and be a fire risk. The safe ones will be more expensive but very much worth the money.

Compatible

Ensure the battery and charger are compatible with your e-bike. Use the one that comes with it or the one recommended by the manufacturer. If you’re using incompatible parts, you’re creating a fire risk.

Check for damage

On your new e-bike, check for any damage: frayed wires, broken parts to the e-bike, battery or charger. Look for the same issues on regular home inspections and fix immediately or stop using.

Charging

Charge your e-bike in a wellventilated, non-flammable area. Avoid charging near flammable materials, and never leave it unattended while charging. Don’t overcharge – it can overheat and a full battery can cause an explosion.

No DIY electrical work

Leave the adaptations, fixes and maintenance to a trained expert.

For any e-bike query, contact UK Electric Bike Centre, based at Headcorn Aerodrome. ukelectricbike.co.uk