Cambridge dad's "harrowing" story proves deadly risk of charging e-bikes
A charity's responded to our exclusive interview with a dad who lost his family in an e-bike fire
Last updated 26th Sep 2023
A leading electrical safety charity is warning of the "catastrophic" impact charging e-bike batteries can have, after we exclusively spoke with a Cambridge man who lost his family in a fire.
Scott Peden suffered multiple burns trying to save his partner and two children from a blaze caused by an e-bike that was charging in their home.
He spoke to us in an exclusive interview to raise awareness about the dangers of charging e-bikes, so others don't have to go through the same heartbreak.
“Scott’s story serves as a harrowing demonstration of the catastrophic impact e-bikes and their batteries can have on us and our families"
Following an investigation into the flat fire, which happened on Friday 30th June, Area Commander Stuart Smith, from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:
"We know e-bikes and e-scooters are popular modes of personal transport at the moment and we are urging anyone with one to be aware of the potential risks and follow simple precautions to reduce the likelihood of the batteries overheating.
"I’d urge everyone to check their home for potential fire risks. There is an online tool on our website that can be used to highlight areas to think about. It isn’t just e-bikes and e-scooters, we have so many electrical gadgets these days that all require charging, people just need to be aware of the risks and put steps in place to ensure they are being charged safety."
The fire service released the following e-bike and e-scooter safety advice:
- Avoid charging the battery overnight
- Do not leave charging for any longer than it needs to fully charge
- Plug the cable into a main socket rather than an extension lead
- Do not cover the battery with anything while charging
- Make sure you use the battery recommended by the manufacturer
- Always use the manufacturer approved charger for the product, and if you spot any signs of wear and tear or damage buy an official replacement charger for your product from a reputable seller
- Ensure you have working smoke alarms on every floor of your home and in the room where you charge the bike/scooter.
WATCH: Our Senior Reporter, Ellis Maddison, went to see Scott last week, you can see his full interview here:
LISTEN: Hear Scott tell his story on Greatest Hits Radio's 'Today' programme:
Our investigation into e-bikes will continue as part of Scott's efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of overcharging, in the hope that the tragedy he's enduring never happens to another family.