E-Bikes and E-Scooters: Know the Dangers

Ards and North Down Borough Council is supporting its partners in raising awareness of the legalities and potential dangers of e-bikes and e-scooters.

There are numerous pitfalls to be aware of. E-scooters are restricted to off-road use only and they are not permitted on public land, including on pavements or in parks.

There are different rules for e-bikes that are classified as electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs). If they do not meet EAPC criteria, they are classed as a moped or motorcycle and must be registered and taxed. Please check the PSNI and NI Direct websites for the latest requirements.

They can present other hazards too. In the last three years, the number of fires related to lithium batteries - the type of battery that most e-bikes and e-scooters use - has quadrupled. Almost 200 people have been injured in these fires, and more than 10 have lost their lives.

To reduce these risks, consumers are advised to follow three steps if buying, looking after or making changes to an e-bike or e-scooter:

Step 1: Buying an e-bike or e-scooter

• Do your research: Buy your e-bike or e-scooter from trusted sellers and look at reviews first. Products sold to UK consumers must meet UK safety laws: check whether the seller provides information about how they comply.
• Compliance marks: Look for the CE mark on e-bikes and e-scooters which is required by UK product safety regulations.

Step 2: Looking after your e-bike or e-scooter

• Follow the instructions and guidelines: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for storage, charging, and maintenance. If instructions are missing, check the manufacturer's website for guidance. Always follow the safety and usage instructions provided.
• Charge safely: Charge your battery in a safe location that does not block fire escape routes or exits. Do not cover the charger or battery. Charge when you are awake and present, not when you are asleep or away from home. Unplug once the battery is fully charged.
• Check compatibility: Make sure your charger is suitable for your battery, as not all e-bike or e-scooter batteries and chargers are safe when used together. Connecting the wrong charger to a battery can pose serious fire risks.

Step 3: Making changes to your e-bike or e-scooter

• Converting a bike to an e-bike: Only use a competent professional to convert a pedal bike to an e-bike.
• Use manufacturer recommended replacement parts: Only use manufacturer recommended e-bike and e-scooter replacement parts, chargers, and batteries.
• Repairs: If you need to repair your e-bike or e-scooter, always get a professional to carry out the work.
• Don't tamper with the battery: Never attempt to modify or tamper with your battery.

For more information, visit:

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service: www.nifrs.org/home/staying-safe/community-safety/home-fire-safety/

Police Service of Northern Ireland: www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/roads-and-driving/e-scooter-scrambler-and-quad-safety

NI Direct: Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/electric-bikes-electrically-assisted-pedal-cycles

Office for Product Safety and Standards: www.gov.uk/guidance/buy-safe-be-safe-avoid-e-bike-and-e-scooter-fires

If you require further information or have any concerns about an e-bike or e-scooter that you have purchased, contact the Ards and North Down Borough Council's Environmental Health Service on 0300 013 3333 or email env.health@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk.