E-scooters and e-bikes have been a very popular way for people to get around. Although most are manufactured to very high standards, there are unfortunately safety issues related to these forms of transport. The following advice will help you stay safe...

The batteries that power e-scooters and e-bikes are usually:

• Lithium-ion (Li-ion): These batteries are popular for their high energy density and long lifespan. However, they can overheat and potentially catch fire if damaged or mishandled

• Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH): Although less common, NiMH batteries are considered safer than Li-ion batteries, albeit with a lower energy density.

RoSPA advises the following:

• Charge properly: Always use the charger supplied by the manufacturer and disconnect the charger once charging has completed. Follow the advice from the Office for Product Safety and Standards here

• Check for battery damage: If the battery has swollen, smells unusual or shows signs of damage, stop using it immediately, and dispose of it safely and responsibly

• Store and charge safely: Do not charge e-bikes and e-scooters near escape routes in your home

• Check if the product itself is safe: If buying second-hand, has the bike been modified in any way? Incompatible parts, motors or other parts that exceed legal limits can make the product unsafe

• Is the product legal?: There are rules around how powerful e-bikes can be, and where e-scooters can be used.

RoSPA recommends only buying e-scooters and e-bikes from reputable retailers and ensuring that the product carries the UKCA mark or CE mark. This is the manufacturer declaring that the product conforms to the required health and safety requirements.

Adrian Simpson, RoSPA's Head of Policy and Membership, has the following advice when using an e-scooter or e-bike, "it is important to do it in a safe and responsible way. The authorities continue to tackle illegal and irresponsible e-scooter and e-bike use. When charging the e-scooter and e-bike, always check the condition of the charger, cables and the battery itself. Don’t allow the battery to overcharge, and make sure that your escape routes aren’t blocked”.
 

Adrian Simpson is Head of Policy and Membership at RoSPA. He joined RoSPA from the British Retail Consortium, where he helped UK retailers to sell safe and compliant products. Before this, he held numerous roles within trading standards services. He is a Chartered Trading Standards Practitioner and a Non-Executive Director of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.