A government plan to Boost E-Bike Power raises Safety Concerns
The UK government’s plan to double the maximum legal power of e-bikes has raised concerns about potential safety risks, including an increased risk of severe battery fires. The Department for Transport is proposing to raise the maximum power of e-bikes from 250 watts to 500 watts in England, Scotland, and Wales. Additionally, the proposal includes increasing the top speed for e-bikes with throttles from 3.73 mph to 15.5 mph. Critics argue that the plans pose safety risks, citing the growing number of lithium battery fires caused by e-bikes and e-scooters.
The London Fire Brigade reported more fires caused by e-bikes and e-scooters in 2023 than in any previous year, describing lithium battery fires as “London’s fastest-growing fire trend.” Campaign groups, including Electrical Safety First, expressed concerns about substandard e-bike batteries causing devastating fires across the country. They urged lawmakers to focus on making current batteries safe rather than increasing power.
The government, while acknowledging potential safety risks in its consultation document, argued that higher power might reduce the incentive for people to tamper with their bikes, addressing one of the current safety issues. The government also suggested that increased e-bike power could encourage more delivery bikes, reducing congestion and air pollution. However, industry stakeholders, such as Volt, a manufacturer of e-bikes, raised concerns that the plan could attract unsafe batteries and encourage users to tamper with them.
Cycling UK, a campaign group, criticized the proposals, stating that the increased power could present a significant safety risk to pedestrians and cyclists. They emphasized the need for better cycling infrastructure and financial assistance for cyclists instead of increasing e-bike power. The Bicycle Association, representing the UK cycle industry, expressed concerns about the legitimization of tampering with e-bikes to boost power and the potential serious fire safety consequences.
The government is set to consider feedback from the consultation to determine how to mitigate risks. The consultation will conclude on April 25, 2024.
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