Cambridgeshire Fire Service calls for stricter Government regulations on e-bikes
It follows the death of a mother and her two children in Cambridge in June
Last updated 1st Nov 2023
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue service is calling for stricter regulations on the sale of e-bikes, batteries and chargers.
It's after the death of 31-year old Gemma Germeney, her eight year old daughter Lilly Peden and her four year old son Oliver Peden in June, following a flat fire which police say was likely caused by an e-bike battery exploding while charging.
The only survivor of the fire, Oliver Peden, has been speaking to Greatest Hits Radio to raise awareness of the dangers of e-bikes.
Cambridgeshire Fire Service has now written to the coroner requesting they push for better regulation of online sales.
The fire service said: "There continues to be a lack of regulation for online marketplaces, where people are able to purchase batteries and chargers which may not meet product safety standards."
It added it had concerns with e-bike conversion kit chargers "that can be used, or incorrectly matched, with battery packs, increasing the risk of fire".
They also said they wanted improved "education of safe use of PLEV's (personal light electric vehicles)", particularly in homes.
The service outlines two recommendations.
First, the need for a "standard (e.g. BSI or PAS standard) for e-bikes, conversion kits, as well as their associated batteries and chargers."
As well as ensuring all fire and rescue services have "advice on the safe use and charging of PLEV’s in the home is included in their prevention offerings to the public."
The coroner inquest into the death of Gemma, Lily and Oliver is still ongoing.