E-bike and e-scooter owners urged to check if chargers are appropriate
E-bike and e-scooter owners have been urged to check whether they are using appropriate chargers to power their devices, so as not to risk a potentially catastrophic fire.
If they are not compatible with the voltage of the battery, it risks a process called thermal runway – a self-heating chemical reaction that can quickly prove devastating.
A survey by charity Electrical Safety First suggests 43% of owners use secondary after-market chargers – and more than one in three of them know it’s not compatible, while one in five don’t know.
Giuseppe Capanna, the charity’s product safety engineer, said it was “essential” people used compatible chargers, ideally ones that come with the device.
To make it easier for people to avoid use something dangerously incompatible, the charity is calling for a ban on universal chargers that come with multiple outlets to connect to various batteries.
It has already called for the batteries to be regulated like fireworks and heavy machinery, which need third-party approval before going on sale.
At the moment, lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and e-scooters can go on sale with only the manufacturer’s declaration that they meet safety standards.
Consumers are also being advised to stick to reputable manufacturers and retailers.
Read more:
Police urge retailers not to ‘exploit’ e-scooter buyers
E-scooters banned from London public transport over fire fears
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Do e-bike batteries need regulation?
‘Never block any exit ways’
The charity’s warnings come after a spate of recent deadly incidents linked to e-bike and e-scooter batteries, prompting warnings from fire brigades.
Last month, a woman and two children in Cambridge died in a flat fire likely caused by an e-bike on charge.
Owners have been told not to charge them in areas that may compromise escape routes, like a hallway or staircase, given how quickly these fires can spread through a property.
Mr Capanna said: “Never block any exit ways when charging, the results could be fatal.”
The London Fire Brigade also suggests letting the battery cool before charging, unplugging it once it’s finished, and installing alarms where you charge.
The government has said fires linked to e-bikes and e-scooters are being looked at, and a research project has been commissioned to examine commonly used batteries.
Two women have died following reports of a stabbing in Milton Keynes on Christmas Day, police have said.
A dog injured in the incident in Bletchley also died after being taken to the vets.
A man and a teenage boy suffered serious injuries.
A 49-year-old man from Milton Keynes has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and remains in custody.
Forensic officers at the scene. Pics: PA
Officers were called to a block of apartments in Santa Cruz Avenue just after 6.30pm on Christmas Day following reports of a stabbing.
The two women, aged 38 and 24, died at the scene, Thames Valley Police said. Their next of kin have been informed.
The injured man and teenage boy were taken to hospital and are both in a stable condition.
Police said the parties are known to each other.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Brangwin said: “Firstly I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the women who have tragically died in this shocking incident.
“We have launched a double murder investigation, which may be concerning to the wider public; however, we have made an arrest and are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident and the parties are known to each other.”
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