Man who lost partner and children in Cambridge e-bike fire backs new safety campaign
Several cycling groups have also backed the move
Last updated 22nd Aug 2024
A man who lost his wife and two children in an e-bike fire in Cambridge hopes a new campaign will lead to better safety around the bikes.
The Electric Bike Alliance (EBA) - made up of groups such as Cycling UK, the Bicycle Association and the Association of Cycle Traders - looks to improve education around e-bike battery safety, which aims to help save lives and highlight the benefits of e-bikes to the UK economy.
Bike shops, charities and electric bike brands are reported to have backed the 'E-Bike Positive' campaign in a bid to restore consumer and industry confidence in e-bikes.
Scott Peden's partner and two children were killed after an e-bike battery exploded in their home last summer.
"It could make a massive difference"
He believes it's key more people learn about what they could be buying.
"It (the campaign) could make a massive difference," he said.
"People need the knowledge to know where these things are safe to charge and when they need to be replaced instead of modified or left to let the battery get old, deteriorate and malfunction.
"I think it's a good thing, as long as they're giving people all the information, the pros, the cons and the dangers because these things can be dangerous if not used right."
Nearly a quarter won't buy an e-bike due to fires
Figures from the EBA found 54% of UK adults are aware of recent e-bike battery fire incidents, with 23% saying they'll not buy an e-bike due to these incidents.
The Alliance also found a quarter of UK adults surveyed now worry about e-bikes charging near them and that in 2022, e-bike sales in the UK reached ÂŁ310 million.
While 64% of people suggested educational content on regulation and safe battery handling would help lower their concerns around using and owning an e-bike.
What will the campaign look to do?
The campaign encompasses support for consumers, education on the risks of buying and using high-risk third-party batteries, chargers and e-bike conversion kits, and expert advice to government.
A number of independent trade body initiatives have also been designed to give UK shoppers greater confidence, including:
- A responsible e-bike retailer pledge, led by the Association of Cycle Traders, where shops in the UK sign up to pledge to only sell and repair safety-checked UK road legal e-bikes, plus give battery advice to cyclists.
- A register of safety-checked e-bike and component brands.
The EBA hopes the campaign also brings a boost to trade.
It said by 2050, the e-bike sector could contribute at least ÂŁ1 billion to the UK economy, while households could save more than ÂŁ800 a year in fuel costs if they choose an e-bike for a 10-mile average trip.
E-bikes could also link to health benefits with 1 in 6 deaths per year linked to physical inactivity, the EBA said.
E-bike image to be "damaged for a very long time"
Last month, Scott told Greatest Hits Radio a new Bill proposed by the Labour Government to address the challenges around e-bike batteries is "one of the best things that could happen".
He feels this campaign can make a positive impact, but more still has to be done.
"There are still many challenges ahead because campaigns like these can only give information; we still need to get to the people that are not going to go these campaigns," he added.
"The image of e-bikes is going to be damaged for a very long time; I personally wouldn't get on one again, but the world is moving forward and if e-bikes are going to be saved, people need to know they are being checked, regulated and are safe to use.
"The fact that the loss of life is leading to a wild change (in e-bike safety) can make a massive difference and definitely improve our perspective on these e-bikes."