Trading Standards: Spotting counterfeit e-bikes in Cambridgeshire "a challenge"
Trading Standards have given their top tips on how to tackle the issue
A Trading Standards officer is urging people in Cambridgeshire to do their research to avoid buying counterfeit e-bikes and scooters
It comes after a flat fire in Cambridge killed 31-year-old Gemma Germeney, 8-year-old Lilly Peden and 4-year-old Oliver Peden, which fire chiefs said was probably caused by an e-bike charging.
A man in his 30s remains in a critical condition in hospital.
With more people buying e-bikes and e-scooters at cheaper prices amid the cost of living crisis, there could be risks attached.
Alan Easey is a Trading Standards officer in the county, Peterborough and Rutland:
“If you’re going to buy a conversion kit or an electrically assisted pedal cycle, do your research; talk to friends, family, colleagues,” he said.
“If a deal looks better than it is, don’t buy it.
“If you’ve got items, one at £200 and one at £400. Everybody will go for the £200 item.
“That doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but what you need to do is ask the question of that supplier if it complies with the relevant requirements.”
"You'd be better off paying a few pounds more"
Mr Easey said in the last 12 months, just three complaints about counterfeit e-devices in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Rutland were made.
But spotting counterfeit and unsafe items is a challenge.
“If it’s got a name on, you can check against the licensee who owns that product but other than that, it would be difficult,” Mr Easey added.
“We can withdraw the product, suspend the product from sale, we can take the product, seize it and have it tested.
“You’d probably be better off paying a few pounds more going to a reputable dealer and try it out whereas if you buy from the far East and something goes wrong, for example, you’ve got no comeback.”