Controlled nail penetration test to trigger thermal runaway
Batteries for e-bikes and e-scooters need to be regulated in the same way as fireworks and heavy machinery to prevent future tragedies, safety campaigners have said.
The recommendation is contained in a new report entitled Battery Breakdown, published today by the charity Electrical Safety First (ESF).
It would mean lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes and e-scooters would need third-party approval before being placed on the UK market – a requirement now in force in New York City after a spate of fatal fires.
At present, the manufacturers of e-bikes, e-scooters and the batteries which power them are not required to prove that they conform to British safety standards, as is the case with many electrical goods.
However, exceptions to self-declaration exist for pyrotechnics, heavy machinery and medical devices and the implementation of Electrical Safety First’s recommendation would see lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes and e-scooters added to the list.
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The battery explodes into flames during the clip (Image: ESF)
Consequently, they would require mandatory third-party approval to ensure they meet essential safety standards.
London Fire Brigade officers are being called to an e-bike or e-scooter fire, on average, every two days.
Earlier this month, an e-bike left charging overnight is believed to have caused a house fire which claimed the lives of Gemma Germeney, 31, and her two children, Lily Peden, 8 and Oliver Peden, 4.
Lesley Rudd, ESF’s chief executive, said: “The huge amount of energy that is released over time when a battery bursts into flames is unlike other fires – in a matter of minutes a room can be decimated.
An e-bike charging – but fires are a risk (Image: GETTY)
“This unique type of fire requires special measures to tackle the increasing problem.”
She continued: “The UK should give serious consideration to following in the footsteps of New York City and better regulate lithium-ion batteries. We need to get on top of this issue now to prevent more lives being lost.
“There are too many reckless operators in this space, such as third-party sellers on online marketplaces, who are risking the lives of the public and giving responsible manufacturers of these products a bad name.
“People’s lives are being destroyed by substandard and faulty batteries, as well as incompatible chargers.
Risks posed by exposure to toxic gases (Image: ESF)
“There is no one silver bullet solution to tackle this issue, but we cannot bury our heads in the sand. We must address the situation before more lives are lost, with tighter rules to make sure only safe products enter our market.”
A video released to coincide with the report offers a visual illustration of the ferocity of lithium-ion battery fires. In a highly controlled environment at a test lab, Electrical Safety First conducted a nail penetration test to simulate perforation and damage to a battery cell in order to trigger a process known as thermal runaway.
The process results in temperatures exceeding 600 degrees Celsius, resulting in a fire which quickly increases in intensity.
Many of these battery fires re-ignite, as seen in the video, sending flames and sparks in all directions.
A fully charged e-bike battery can release a similar amount of stored energy as the amount of TNT contained in six hand grenades, the charity estimates.
When thermal runaway occurs, energy is released over a longer period of time, mimicking an out-of-control explosive firework.
ESF’s report also considers the design flaws of many e-scooters and suggests ways to improve safety, from manufacturing larger wheels to reduce impact from kerbs and potholes, as well as the battery being moved from under the footplate, where it is more likely to be damaged as a result of impact with the ground.
It also looks at the bans and rule changes already being implemented across Europe, including the outlawing of rental e-scooters in Paris, and train companies across the UK banning e-scooters on services due to safety concerns. Without better regulation, e-bikes and e-scooters could risk an outright ban in the future, EST warns.
Ways in which e-scooters can evolve in their design to reduce impact damage (Image: ESF)
Other recommendations in the report include:
* The banning of universal chargers, to prevent dangerously compatible charging arrangements
and damage, and the better regulation of non-proprietary charging systems
* The introduction of a British standard for conversion kits for e-bikes, which currently does not exist
* Mandatory reporting of e-bike and e-scooter fires in Home Office data in a major overhaul to modernise fire incident reporting across the UK
* A Government backed nationwide campaign on e-bike and e-scooter safety, including safe charging
* The immediate regulation of online marketplaces, where many substandard and dangerous e-bike and e-scooters are purchased, to make them take reasonable steps to prevent or delist unsafe products sold via their platforms.
“If it wasn’t for my son, we wouldn’t be here”
Andrew Beaton’s family had a narrow escape when his son’s e-bike went up in flames while it was charging beneath the staircase of their home in Lancaster.
He explained: “If it wasn’t for my son, we wouldn’t be here.
“He was up to get a drink at night and shouted to us after seeing the e-bike on fire. I sprinted downstairs, swung open the front door and threw the bike outside.
“In that moment, all the batteries fell out and were exploding like hand grenades.”
“I was fearing for my wife and kids, as the bike was charging under the stairs and had set them alight. I started frantically throwing water on the stairs so they could get down. Within four minutes everything was gone.
“I bought the e-bike online as a Christmas present for my son and now it will be costing us upwards of £50,000 in damages. I urge anyone thinking of buying these e-bikes not to – it’s not worth your life.”
