Calls for urgent safety measures around e-bikes
The family and friends of a London woman who died in an e-bike blaze are backing a campaign.
Family and friends of a south London woman who died in an e-bike fire are backing calls for urgent safety measures.
The charity Electrical Safety First, is calling on all political parties to commit to introducing safety laws to prevent further tragedies.
It wants the introduction of independent third-party certification for e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries.
At present, manufacturers can self-declare their e-bikes and batteries are safe.
Sofia's Story
Sofia Duarte died in London on New Year's Day 2023 at the age of 21, when a converted e-bike caught fire during the night. Sofia was unable to escape the building with the fire blocking her escape route.
Alda Simoes, a friend of Ms Duarte, said: "We are out of time to save our beautiful Sofia and everyone that has passed away like her. But we will do everything in our power to prevent others going through what Sofia's mum, me, family and friends are going through.
"This problem is a public safety issue that needs action from all political parties to introduce new measures to tackle the increasingly problem of e-bike battery fires. The number of these fires caused by these batteries keeps rising and we urgently need intervention to protect the public.
"Change needs to happen. There are people dying, what are we waiting for? Sofia's death must have a purpose. If nothing changes, her death will be in vain. I am urging the next Government and all political parties to please, help us create change."
"All political parties must to come together to tackle this issue and we want to work with any future government to address the problem as a priority. They will have the power to save lives and prevent future heartache."
"Legislation is desperately needed and time is of the essence. We owe it to those who have lost their lives to ensure we do all we can to prevent further tragedies."
Battery Breakdown Report
The recommendations were first outlined last year in the charity's report "Battery Breakdown", the first report of its kind to assess the growing risk of e-bike and e-scooter fires and propose solutions to reduce the risk to lives.
Similar requirements are already in place for other high-risk products, such as fireworks and heavy machinery.
Electrical Safety First chief executive Lesley Rudd said: "Right across the country people are dying because of these fires, and people like Scott are left living with the grief and devastation.
E-bikes and E-scooters remain the capital's fastest-growing fire risk in London
Last year, 11 people lost their lives to fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters, with hundreds injured as a result of the fires caused by the lithium-ion batteries.
On March 21, fire crews were called to an exploding e-bike on a train platform in Sutton, London, with dramatic footage showing flaming battery cells being projected from the battery across the platform.
Four children were among six people taken to hospital due to smoke inhalation following an e-bike fire near Croydon at the beginning of April that caused serious damage to their maisonette, destroying the staircase between the first and second floor.