E-bikes and scooters seem to be the new vehicle of choice for thousands of people commuting to work.
What with the rising cost in petrol, the desire to limit CO2 emissions, and the issues with public transport posed by recent and ongoing industrial action, it’s no surprise that many of us have turned to an alternative method of transport.
Compared to last year, cycling levels in England have risen by 47% on weekdays this summer, and 15% of UK adults are using an e-bike on a regular basis, according to research by Aviva -with that number only set to rise.
But with more than ten fires are thought to have been caused by e-bikes and their charging in the last six months alone, there are many safety risks to be aware of.
Gavin Scarr Hall, Director of Health & Safety at Peninsula, says: “With many employees opting to cycle for their commute to work, it makes sense for employers to understand the risks associated with e-bikes and make them known within their team.
“Whilst cycling is a great way of getting around and staying active, those who utilise e-bikes must take some responsibility in ensuring that they do not pose harm to themselves or others – whether they’re storing their bike at home, at work, or anywhere else.
“Fires are more common in cases where batteries have been purchased from online marketplaces which may not meet the correct safety standards, as confirmed by London Fire Brigade.
“Therefore, it is important for e-bike owners to read the manual for the correct way of charging them, and to check for damaged batteries regularly, replacing them when necessary. The correct chargers which meet UK safety standards should be used: a CE mark is often used to identify if the electrical appliance meets UK standards.
“The e-bikes should be stores in the safest place possible, like a shed or garage. But when they must be stored within the business premises, smoke detection should be fitted.
“It is possible as an employer to request that your staff do not charge their e-bikes in the workplace. But a more inclusive approach may be to request the -bike and their chargers are included in the routine for portable appliance testing and also in the fire risk assessment.”
