Fire safety authorities are calling for tighter regulations on conversion kits used to turn traditional bicycles into e-bikes, in response to a growing number of fires linked to these devices. The National Fire Chiefs' Council (NFCC) is pressing for stronger product safety rules and enhanced oversight of sales to address the increasing risks posed by e-bike conversions.

Over the past two years, more than 235 e-bike fires have been reported across the UK, with nearly half involving converted bicycles. The London Fire Brigade identified e-bikes and e-scooters as the capital’s fastest-growing fire risks earlier this year, prompting eBay to take action this week by limiting the sale of e-bikes and batteries on its platform.

One of the most tragic incidents occurred in Bristol at Twinnell House, where Abdul Jabar Oryakhel, aged 30, died while trying to escape a fire caused by an overheating lithium-ion e-bike battery in September 2022. Eight others were injured in the fire. A resident, Mark Barrett, witnessed Mr Oryakhel’s fatal fall from the 16th floor and lamented the lack of change since the incident, saying he still sees “homemade e-bikes” in the building. Barrett believes stronger legislation is needed to prohibit such unsafe conversions from being used in residential buildings, as they are "too dangerous."

Bristol City Council echoed concerns about lithium-ion batteries, stating that if such items are found being stored or charged unsafely in communal areas, the council may remove them. This follows a growing body of evidence suggesting the significant fire risks posed by these batteries.

In response to the rise in e-bike fires, three prevention of future death reports (PFDs) were submitted to the government over the past year. PFDs are issued when coroners believe that action must be taken to prevent future deaths. Following these reports, the government introduced the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, which aims to improve safety standards for e-bikes, e-scooters, and other lithium-ion battery products. The bill allows the government to swiftly amend product regulations and maintain high safety standards as new products enter the market.

The charity Electrical Safety First has raised concerns about the increasing fire risks posed by incomplete conversion kits sold online. According to product safety engineer Giuseppe Capanna, some kits may include essential components like motors and controllers but leave out crucial items such as batteries and chargers. This often forces consumers to source these parts independently, leading to mismatched, incompatible components that can result in overcharging and fires. Electrical Safety First is pushing for the introduction of safety standards for conversion kits and charging systems, as well as a temporary ban on the sale of universal chargers, which can exacerbate the problem.

In 2023, government data revealed that fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters resulted in 11 deaths and hundreds of injuries. Currently, e-bike and battery manufacturers are allowed to self-certify their products as safe, but Electrical Safety First is calling for independent third-party certification to align with existing regulations for other high-risk products, such as fireworks and heavy machinery.

The dangers of e-bike fires are underscored by the story of Sofia Duarte, who tragically died in a fire in a London block of flats on New Year's Day 2023. Investigators found that the fire, which blocked her escape route, was caused by a converted e-bike with a faulty lithium battery pack. Sofia’s family and friends have since been advocating for urgent government action to regulate e-bike conversions and the batteries and chargers used in these devices. Family friend Alda Simoes expressed frustration, saying the continued fatalities were “unfair” and preventable through stronger regulations.

Despite the risks, the Electric Bike Alliance, a collective of organisations promoting the safe use of e-bikes, emphasises that e-cycles, when purchased from reputable manufacturers, remain safe and beneficial. Sarah McMonagle from Cycling UK noted that e-bikes can improve physical and mental health, air quality, and reduce carbon emissions, especially for those who may find traditional cycling difficult.

Avon Fire and Rescue, which investigated the Twinnell House fire, is working to raise awareness of e-bike safety, particularly around conversion kits. Steve Quinton, who led the investigation, described lithium-ion battery fires as "catastrophic" and said e-bike conversions are a “real challenge” for fire services. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that conversions are carried out by professionals using high-quality components and warned against the dangers posed by kits that fail to meet safety standards.

The fire service is also collaborating with companies like Deliveroo, whose riders frequently use e-bikes, to provide safety advice on conversion kits, charging, and storage. Riders, aware of the risks, have been taking steps to reduce the fire hazard by safely charging their e-bikes, with one anonymous rider saying they charge the battery in a garage rather than inside the home to prevent fires.

With fire incidents continuing to rise, safety experts stress the need for immediate and comprehensive action to prevent further tragedies.

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