As e-bikes and e-scooters become more popular in purchase levels and usage, they should therefore become more of a concern for landlords and the safety of their tenants and properties.
Initially we should start by checking if they are legal. So e-bikes are legal to use on the UK roads and you must adhere with the road safety act as all cyclists but e-scooters are not legal to use outside of privately owned property. Halfords confirm that 'it’s illegal to use them on pavements, in cycle lanes and in pedestrian-only areas, and it would only be legal to use them on public roads if they could meet the same requirements as motor vehicles (e.g., in terms of insurance, tax, licence, registration and vehicle construction), which in practice is virtually impossible', and for more information check out their website.
So what are the issues?
Occurring to the UK Government website, 'E-bikes and e-scooters use large lithium-ion batteries which can present a risk of serious fire or explosion in certain circumstances. While these can be used safely, there have been a number of fire incidents involving lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters, including in conversion kits'. According to London Fire Bridge from the start of 2023 150 fires involving e-scooters have happened on average every 2 weeks. These fires can be fierce and have killed 50 people.
The main causes of for is when the batteries are being charged and the battery is faulty or overheats, and this can be caused by leaving the battery plugged in once it is fully charged. The advice from the National Fire Chiefs Council is
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging, and always unplug your charger when it’s finished charging.
Charge batteries whilst you are awake Always use the manufacturer approved charger for the product
Do not cover chargers or battery packs when charging
Avoid storing or charging e-bikes and e-scooters on escape routes or in communal areas of a multi occupied building
Store e-bikes and e-scooters and their batteries in a cool place
Buy e-bikes, e-scooters and chargers and batteries from reputable retailers
What's happening now?
The London Fire Brigade are calling from the Office of Safety and Standards to research this area further and have issued guidance on the usage and storage of e-bikes and e-scooters. Please see the information above.
The London Fire Brigade are also looking to regulate both modes of transport. As a landlord it is a great idea to inform the tenants of their dangers and then pass on information on how to use them safely. Through regular house checks you will be able to ensure that the guidance is being adhered to and this protects the safety of the tenants and your property. It is vital that e-bikes and e-scooters are not left in fire escape routes. These items can be great ways to navigate a busy town or city but they must be used with caution.
