Brandveiligheid e-bikes: Bicycle Association dringt er bij het VK op aan om een dringend actieplan op te stellen

The UK Bicycle Association (BA) is calling for urgent government action to address the growing concern over e-bike fire safety, following a rising number of dangerous battery-related incidents. In a detailed E-bike Action Plan, the BA outlines key recommendations to protect consumers and prevent further tragedies.

Why E-bike Fire Safety Matters Now

As electric bikes gain popularity, so do the risks from unsafe batteries and poor-quality imports. Fire and rescue services in London alone have reported a sharp rise in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and scooters. Many of these are linked to low-quality or incompatible battery packs—especially from DIY conversion kits or non-certified imports.

The Bicycle Association highlights that most road-legal e-bikes from reputable brands are safe when used properly. The issue stems from a lack of regulation for online sellers and gig economy users modifying bikes without proper oversight.

What’s in the E-bike Action Plan?

The BA’s proposed measures to improve e-bike fire safety fall under three key areas:

1. Prevent Unsafe Imports

Government should enhance border controls and impose stricter checks on e-bike imports, especially from online marketplaces selling non-compliant products.

2. Tackle Unsafe Use in the Gig Economy

Delivery riders often modify standard bikes using untested battery kits. The BA urges new policies to hold employers accountable for rider safety and ensure certified equipment is used.

3. Close Regulatory Loopholes

Currently, non-road-legal e-bikes and illegal conversion kits are still sold freely. The BA calls for a crackdown on these listings and clearer laws to define what qualifies as a safe, compliant e-bike.

Support Tools for Safe Riding

To support riders and retailers, the Bicycle Association has also launched:

• The E-bike Battery Safety Guide – public resources explaining safe charging, usage, and storage.
• Verified Retailer Pledge – stores commit to selling only road-legal, safety-compliant e-bikes.
• Consumer Awareness Campaigns – helping buyers distinguish between safe and unsafe e-bikes online.

Peter Eland, Technical & Policy Director of the BA, said, “These tragic incidents must stop. That requires decisive action and targeted regulation—not just new rules but real enforcement.”

Industry Impact & Public Confidence

Industry leaders warn that e-bike fires, although preventable, are damaging public trust in electric transport. Steve Garidis, BA’s Executive Director, emphasized that without intervention, even quality brands suffer from the fallout of media stories involving dangerous knockoffs.

The UK’s cycling economy, tied closely to green transport goals, may suffer unless the government actively supports safe growth through policy and education.

External Resources and References

• Bicycle Association E-bike Action Plan (Official PDF)
• London Fire Brigade E-bike Safety Advice
• UK Government Consultation on Micromobility Safety

Conclusion: A Roadmap to Safer E-bike Use

The rise of e-bikes represents a major shift in urban transport. But to unlock their full potential, the UK must urgently address e-bike fire safety through coordinated regulation, industry support, and public education.

As the BA makes clear, this isn’t about stalling innovation—it’s about ensuring that progress doesn’t come at the cost of lives or consumer trust.