Man who lost family in Cambridge e-bike fire meets MPs

A man who lost his partner and two children in an e-bike fire in Cambridgeshire is taking his story to Parliament for the first time.

Scott Peden is going to be meeting with MPs, firefighters, and nurses in Westminster as part of his efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of e-bike batteries.

Greatest Hits Radio has been given exclusive access to the the All Party Parliamentary Group, (APPG) which is taking place later this evening.

Speaking exclusively to Greatest Hits Radio at the time, the 30-year-old gave his account of the tragedy that took place at his home on Sackville Close, Cambridge, in the early hours of 30th June.

31-year-old Gemma Germeney, 8-year-old Lily Peden, 4-year-old Oliver Peden and their two dogs all lost their lives that night.

Scott Peden suffered multiple burns trying to save them from the blaze, caused by an e-bike that was charging in their home.

"The fact that there are other tragedies similar to mine is unacceptable"

Speaking ahead of tonight's APPG, Scott tell us he's "extremely excited" the issue is now being discussed by those who can bring about change.

"I'm not just a face on a screen, I'm an actual person in the audience and any questions or concerns they want to ask me, or any help they need with anything, I want them to know that I am 100% behind this all the way."

"We've got a long way to go but I'm extremely excited. The fact that it's even going to parliament this quickly, I'm very interested to see where it goes after, especially the possible bill - I'm very hopeful that does get passed."

Scott also repeated his warning to other people who may be thinking about buying an e-bike, or a replacement battery.

"You don't expect to buy something to make your life easier, to literally have your entire life snuffed out. Your family, your pets, your home. Everything you own to be gone in one night, just because you're trying to make life a tiny bit easier."

"Since my accident, I've heard of e-bike fires and electrical battery fires all over the news. The fact that there are other tragedies similar to mine is unacceptable in any way you look at it."

LISTEN: We've been investigating the dangers of e-bike batteries ever since Scott shared his story with us, take a listen to our short documentary here:

Electrical Safety First

Since we shared Scott's harrowing story, charity Electrical Safety First have been working with us to raise awareness of the dangers of e-bike batteries.

The group is calling for lithium ion batteries to be regulated in the same way as fireworks in the UK.

This means they would go through rigorous third party inspection to ensure they adhere to - and pass - certain guidelines to make sure they are safe for use.

You can read ESF's 'Safety of Electric-Powered Micromobility Vehicles and Lithium Batteries Bill' here.

The draft Bill is now being taken forward by Yvonne Fovargue MP, who's chairing tonight's APPG, as a Ten Minute Rule Bill.

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