Hove man at forefront of safety campaign to get more of us using e-bikes
Jonathan Harrison says the danger caused by modified e-bikes is affecting the reputation of all of them
A Hove man's at the forefront of a new safety campaign hoped to get more of us using e-bikes.
Jonathan Harrison is part of E-Bike Positive, which is urging retailers to sign a pledge to prove their products are safe.
The campaign launches today after research from the Electric Bike Alliance showed over 54% of UK adults are aware of fires caused by e-bikes - with a fifth saying they would never buy them in case they catch alight.
Harrison says the campaign aims to shift that mindset:
"We really must distinguish between safe, reputable products and the high risk ones causing these incidents.
"We just need to make sure people are informed and make the right purchasing decisions - that they're purchasing proper e-bikes and not these un-certified, aftermarket products and batteries."
E-bike fires are often caused by aftermarket Lithium-ion batteries, chargers, and conversion kits from non-reputable sources, international online retailers and re-sellers.
The campaign is also building a register of safety checked e-bike and component brands.
Harrison continues:
"We're really trying to get away from these myths and overall effects of damaging the reputation of e-bikes, when they are a really beneficial, sustainable transport for all abilities."
"They're an amazing solution for transport."