Forum Topic

e-bikes

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Barbara Stevens ● 654d2 Comments

Agreed.  It is also important to remember that Li-ion batteries are also in a lot of other rechargeable and cordless items eg mobile phones, drills, vacuum cleaners...Don't charge your mobile phone beside you while you are asleep either!  Apparently half of teenagers do this.https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/your-questions-answered/questions/can-i-charge-my-phone-on-my-bed/"Don’t charge any electrical devices, including phones and tablets, on your bed or under your pillow while you sleep as they could overheat and cause a fire. If possible, avoid charging devices unattended or overnight, and when necessary only charge them on a hard surface such as a desk."Online marketplaces are not covered by the same laws as non-online ones.  There is a call for them to be the same ie just as strict - and there is a campaign running.https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/what-we-do/consumer-campaigns/online-campaigns/don-t-be-electricked/

Philippa Bond ● 654d

I think the following paragraphs in the article are very important:"The brigade warned in particular of e-bikes or e-scooters that have been fitted with batteries or other parts purchased separately online, especially if they are not bought from a reputable seller.....Dom Ellis, the LFB’S deputy commissioner, said, “We recognise the environmental benefits they bring to travel in our city, but the stark reality is that some of these vehicles are proving to be incredibly dangerous, particularly if they have been modified with second-hand products or if batteries are used with the wrong chargers.“Without urgent research into the causes of these battery fires and proper regulation that will help prevent people unknowingly purchasing dangerous products from online marketplaces, such as batteries and conversion kits, we fear we will continue seeing a high level of these types of fires in London.”The above advice is immensely important!

Ivonne Holliday ● 654d