Benefits of ebikes
Using an electric bike is very similar to using a standard bicycle. The same road rules apply, however in the UK, the legal age limit for using an electric bike is 14.
Electric bikes, or ebikes, are becoming increasingly popular, with more and more people choosing them as an affordable, healthy, low carbon alternative to cars.
Cycling for 10 miles on an ebike costs as little as 4p in electricity if you charge at home. If you were to drive this distance in a petrol or diesel car, it would cost you up to £1.50 depending on your vehicle.
From lower refuelling, servicing and maintenance costs to zero tax and free parking perks, swapping your car for an electric bike makes financial sense!
The extra assistance you get from an electric bike can help you to go further, faster or tackle more challenging routes. This could be on your commute, for leisure, to do the weekly shop, or for cycling to a public transport terminal to start a longer journey.
Thanks to different assistance levels and a wide range of models, electric bikes are a great way to build confidence, ability and fitness, especially if you don’t think a regular bike is right for you.
Alongside the many mental health and wellbeing benefits of cycling regularly – such as helping manage stress, reducing the risk of becoming depressed and developing type 2 diabetes and certain cancers – electric bikes are fun to ride and allow you to enjoy outdoor activity with less effort. They’re even great for experienced and confident cyclists.
Is there help to access or buy an electric bike?
If you’re ready to embrace active travel by electric bike, cargo or adapted cycle, there are many ways to purchase or try one out.
A good place to start is to by reading buyer guides, such as this one from Sustrans. You could also visit your local retailer to discuss your needs. Some retailers offer an option to try out the bike before buying it.
Milton Keynes Council are offering residents free loan of an electric bike for a month. We’ve partnered up with Fully Charged Silverstone who’ll run the project on our behalf. Interested ? Contact silverstone.info@fullycharged.com or call Fully Charged Silverstone on 07377 153599
Many employers also offer access to the Cycle to Work scheme, which could save you up to 40% on an electric bike and accessories. Have you checked if your workplace has a pool ebike available for employee use?
Buying an e-cycle
It’s safest to buy a complete e-cycle, with battery pack and charger included, from a reputable retailer.
Register your product with the manufacturer. This makes it easier to contact you in the event of a recall or safety alert.
Be especially careful when purchasing second-hand, refurbished or converted bikes. It can be hard to establish reliably whether such products are counterfeit or genuine, and whether they meet proper UK (or EU) standards. Look for CE or UKCA marking.
e-cycle battery and fire safety guidance
While most e-cycles are very safe, as with all products using lithium batteries, there is a risk of fire, particularly for counterfeit, damaged or poorly modified e-cycles and batteries, or when the incorrect charger is used.
Lithium battery fires can be particularly dangerous and hard to extinguish. The following advice should help to limit the risk of fire.
Fire safety guidance
Electrically assisted pedal cycles, or e-cycles/e-bikes, have an electric motor to help you pedal.
Riders must be at least 14, but no licence, special equipment or insurance is needed to ride one, provided that the e-cycle meets certain rules, which specify, for example, that the motor must have a maximum continuous rated power (250 watts) and motor cut-off speed (15.5 mph).
Modifying the motor or battery will increase the likelihood of a fire.
Modern e-cycles are generally powered by lithium batteries and are normally supplied with a battery charger that plugs into a normal household mains socket.
Although most e-cycles and their batteries are very safe in normal use, lithium battery packs can, particularly if of poor quality or when damaged or improperly used:
- cause serious, rapidly developing fires that are very hard to extinguish
- generate toxic fumes and may cause injury or even death, alongside significant property damage to your home
This guidance comprises advice from:
- National Fire Chief’s Council
- London Fire Brigade, including the #ChargeSafe campaign
- the UK cycle industry trade association, the Bicycle Association
Buying replacement batteries and chargers
If you need a spare battery pack or charger, buy only genuine items authorised by the e-cycle or drive system manufacturer. Using a reputable supplier will reduce the risk of being sold counterfeit items. Genuine battery packs and chargers may cost more, but using third-party items that may not be safe or compatible could put your life at risk or destroy your home.
Be cautious about buying used e-cycle battery packs. Whether or not any physical damage is visible, the battery could already have been damaged or abused and pose an increased fire risk.
Buying an e-cycle conversion kit
E-cycle conversion kits are products that turn a conventional cycle into an e-cycle.
Although the concept may seem attractively affordable, the fact that the kit is retro-fitted, often by the end user, to a cycle not designed and tested for this application, means that buying a complete e-cycle is generally a safer option.
If you decide to buy an e-cycle conversion kit:
- ensure that the cycle you intend to fit it to is in good condition, able to take the additional weight and that the brakes have more than adequate stopping power
- purchase from a reputable seller and a recognised brand
- check that the kit complies with the UK e-cycle regulationsand with British or European standards, by checking that it comes with a Declaration of Incorporation as ‘Partly Completed Machinery’
- be aware that if buying components such as battery packs and chargers separately, it’s impossible to be sure they are compatible and safe when used together. Incompatible battery packs and chargers can cause an extremely high fire risk
DIY e-cycle kit installations have been found to sometimes result in damage to the kit, increasing the chances of battery failure and the likelihood of a fire. Note that the person who installed the kit is liable for the product’s safety, even if they’re a private individual, so an incident could have serious financial consequences. If possible, instead have the kit installed by a professional/competent person who is properly insured for this work.
Modifications, de-restriction and dongles
Some users may be tempted to modify e-cycles (or cycles converted into e-cycles by a kit) to exceed the speed or power limits (15.5 mph and 250 watts) for a legal e-cycle.
Users should be aware that if an e-cycle is modified to exceed these legal limits, it becomes an unregistered motorbike in law. If you use such a vehicle on the road you could face a fine and penalty points on your licence and the vehicle could be impounded. You are also unlikely to be covered by any insurance.
Even if carried out without introducing direct electrical hazards, such as short circuit risks through poor wiring/connection, modifications of this type generally increase the electrical load on the battery and drive system. These may then overheat, substantially increasing the risk of fire.
Where to store and charge e-cycles
Do not charge an e-cycle or battery pack where, if a fire breaks out, it could prevent you from safely leaving your home.
Avoid storing or charging e-cycles on escape routes or in communal areas of multi-occupied buildings.
Ensure everyone is aware of an escape plan in the event of a fire.
If possible, store and charge e-cycles and battery packs in a shed or garage separate from your home.
As far as possible, do not charge batteries or store your e-cycle near combustible or flammable materials.
If you charge or store your e-cycle inside your property, ensure you install suitable fire detection. Fire services recommend heat alarms rather than smoke alarms for garages or kitchens. Ensure you have working smoke alarms in other rooms. Avoid excessively hot, cold or damp areas, especially for charging.
Charging an e-cycle
Use only the charger supplied with the e-cycle, or a replacement authorised by the manufacturer.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage, charging and maintenance of your battery pack.
Do not overcharge your battery – check the manufacturer’s instructions for charge times and unplug your charger once the battery has charged.
If it’s hot after intensive use, let the battery cool before charging it.
It’s vitally important that you charge batteries only while you’re awake and alert so that if a fire should occur you can respond quickly. Do not leave batteries on charge while you are asleep or away from the home.
Do not cover chargers or battery packs when charging as this could lead to overheating and possibly fire.
Batteries should never be exposed to extreme temperatures (keep them out of direct sunlight when not in use).
Do not overload socket outlets or extension leads. Use extension leads uncoiled and ensure the lead is suitably rated for what you are plugging into it – especially if using multiple chargers at once, or other electrical loads.
Be alert, both while charging the battery and while using the e-cycle, for any of the warning signs listed below, and know how to act if you detect a fire hazard.
Warning signs for fire risk
The warning signs that your e-cycle battery could be a fire hazard include:
Heat
It’s normal for batteries to generate some heat when charging or in use, but if it feels extremely hot to the touch, it may be defective and at risk of fire, so stop charging it immediately.
Bulging, lumps and leaks
A battery bulging or swelling out of shape is a common sign of it failing. You should stop using it immediately. The same applies if there is any type of lump or leak from the device.
Noise
Failing lithium batteries have been reported to make hissing or cracking sounds.
Smell
A strong or unusual smell (which could be toxic) from the battery could be a sign that it’s failing.
Performance
Failure to fully charge, or longer charge times, can be a sign that your battery is failing.
Smoke
If your battery or device is smoking, a fire has already started. Raise the alarm, get out, stay out and call 999 immediately.
If you see signs that your lithium battery could be a fire hazard
If your battery shows any of the warning signs listed above but is not smoking or on fire:
- immediately turn off and unplug the charger
- if possible, carefully move the e-cycle and/or battery pack outside away from people, pets and combustible materials or to a location where risks would be minimised if the battery were to catch fire
- check for safe disposal options as detailed below or call the device manufacturer or retailer for further instructions
If the device starts smoking or catches fire:
- raise the alarm, get out, stay out and call 999 immediately
- once the incident is resolved and everyone is safe, report the faulty battery to Citizens Advice in England and Walesand to the manufacturer or to whoever sold the device to you
Damaged batteries
Battery packs can be damaged in use, most often by dropping them or in a crash.
Damaged batteries can catch fire rapidly and without warning. Check your battery regularly for any signs of damage. If you suspect any damage, you should replace the battery. Do not charge or use it.
Disposing of a lithium e-cycle battery
If you need to dispose of a damaged or end-of-life battery, do not dispose of it in your household waste or normal recycling. These batteries can cause fires in bin lorries and at recycling and waste centres.
The manufacturer or importer of your e-cycle must offer a free take-back service for waste e-cycle battery packs. Contact them for details or ask the retailer where you bought the e-cycle. Alternatively, check with your local authority for suitable battery recycling arrangements in your area.
Themes Valley Police have created this handy leaflet with information about who can use e-cycles TVP E-Bike Leaflet
