More than 13,000 e-scooters and e-bikes seized at Port of Felixstowe

Suffolk Trading Standards says it's seized around 13,000 e-scooters and e-bikes at the Port of Felixstowe over the past two years - as they didn't meet safety standards.

A further 9,000 were also refused entry into the country for not having the right documents.

Officers found that batteries and chargers posed a serious risk of fire or electric shock, putting unwitting consumers in danger of being hurt or killed.

Graham Crisp, Head of Suffolk Trading Standards, said:

“Stopping the sale of thousands of unsafe e-scooters is a fantastic achievement for our Imports Surveillance team and is a testament to their tireless work to intercept dangerous goods before these can enter the marketplace, protecting not just Suffolk residents but consumers across the country.

“Of course, people can keep themselves safe by only purchasing e-scooters from a reputable retailer, ensuring the vehicle comes with accompanying safety guidance and looking for the CE or UKCA mark.

“Whilst buying cheaper batteries or battery converter kits for e-scooters and e-bikes can be tempting for those looking to save money, they could end up paying the ultimate price.”

Councillor Andrew Reid, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection, added:

“Fire services nationally are seeing an increase in incidents caused by e-scooters and e-bikes, with there sadly being a fatality following a fire in London at the beginning of the year believed to have been started by a faulty e-bike battery which burst into flames.

“Care should be taken even when using legitimate batteries and chargers; batteries should be allowed time to cool down before being charged and chargers should be unplugged immediately after use to help reduce the risk of fire.

“E-scooter and e-bike users should also avoid charging the vehicles in residential buildings overnight as this is when the majority of fires have happened due to people being asleep and unaware of chargers starting to overheat before igniting.”

Although e-scooters can be purchased privately, it is illegal for them to be used on public roads, cycle lanes or pavements.

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