Danger batteries behind e-bike fires still on sale in UK
Dangerous e-bike batteries linked to a series of fires and explosions are still on sale online eight months after the Government issued an urgent safety recall.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) warned riders in January to stop using certain models of UPP batteries in their e-bikes. However, one legitimate e-bike seller has found the dangerous packs still on sale via Facebook Marketplace in several cities around the UK.
Following a series of fires around the country, including a number of fatal incidents, Mark Reece from e-bike specialist Rev Monkey, said his firm had found the packs – UPP-branded batteries labelled U004 and U004-1 – being sold privately. He urged riders to check their e-bikes to ensure they weren’t using the dangerous packs or at risk from other battery-related issues.
In London alone this year there have been an average of 18 fires per month linked to e-bikes. Four people have died in blazes traced back to e-bikes by the London Fire Brigade.
Reece said: “These batteries have been linked to dangerous fires and explosions. When they go into thermal runaway, they can hit 600°C, release harmful gases, and ignite fires that are difficult to extinguish.
“Although major platforms like Amazon and eBay have removed the listings, they’re still circulating privately on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Worryingly, sellers may not even realise they’re passing on a recalled product.”
He noted that e-bike fires were largely associated with poorly manufactured or unregulated batteries, often found in off-brand, counterfeit bikes or the heavily modified setups being used by delivery riders in major cities.
Graham Russell, chief executive of OPSS said: “While OPSS takes action to remove these unsafe batteries wherever we can, it is vital that consumers are aware of the risks and that they check that their own e-bike, or any e-bike they see for sale online, does not contain these UPP batteries.”
How to spot a dangerous e-bike battery
Reece also offered riders advice on how to ensure their e-bike is safe to use.
He said: “When choosing a bike, you want brands that undergo rigorous testing, quality control, and certification to meet international safety standards on their batteries and electrical systems. Check that it is CE tested and comes with a CE-marked aluminium tag on delivery before use.
“For e-bikes, look for high-quality lithium-ion battery packs designed with multiple layers of protection against overcharging, short circuits, and thermal runaway. Check the information about the Battery Management Systems (BMS), which ensures the battery operates safely even under heavy use.”
He also highlighted ways to spot a potentially dangerous e-bike battery
- Visible damage: cracks, swelling, or leaking
- Signs of overheating, unusual odours, or rapid drainage
- Use a multimeter to check voltage against manufacturer guidelines
If you spot any of these signs or have bought one of the recalled batteries, advice from Reece and the Government is to stop using it immediately, store it away from flammable materials and dispose of it at any local household recycling centre that accepts this type of battery.
