Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to reduce the number of fires caused by batteries in electric bikes.

In February 2024, the Department published detailed safety guidance on how to buy, store and charge e-cycles and e-scooters. The Department for Business and Trade also launched a “Buy safe, be safe” campaign and further guidance in October 2024 to help users of e-cycles reduce the risk of battery fires. All of the information is readily accessible on gov.uk.

The Government has also introduced the Product Safety and Metrology Bill. This will create powers that will allow government to set specific product regulations, including on batteries used in e-cycles.

In the meantime, all e-cycles sold in the UK must comply with various product safety requirements, as must all mains battery chargers. The Department continues to work with other Government Departments and other stakeholders to understand why battery fires occur so that the Government can take any further action necessary to tackle the issue.