Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) is urging caution around e-bikes, e-scooters and lithium-ion batteries, following an inquest held in Liverpool today.

The inquest into the death of a young boy in a house fire in Keele Close, Birkenhead, Wirral, in August this year determined that the cause of the fire was a faulty lithium-ion battery in an e-bike.

MFRS Area Manager and Head of Prevention Mark Thomas said: “This was a desperately sad incident which took away the life of a young boy and has no doubt affected the lives of many since. His family, friends and community have been left devasted and our thoughts remain with them. If we are able to learn from this awful accident to help people prevent these types of fires, then we will.”

With e-bikes and e-scooters anticipated to feature prominently on many Christmas lists, MFRS is encouraging care when purchasing and charging them to ensure the safety of their families and homes at all times, and especially during the festive period.

Since the start of 2022, there have been 57 fires linked to items containing lithium-ion batteries in Merseyside. Of the 57 fires, almost 50% have occurred in someone’s home. Of the fires that occurred in someone’s home, over 70% occurred between 9pm and 8am. The advice from MFRS is to never charge e-bikes and e-scooters overnight, instead do this during the day and outside of the home when possible.

AM Thomas said: “Following this tragic accident, we ask that people don’t leave e-bikes and scooters charging while sleeping, when we are at our most vulnerable. Also, do not leave the bike or scooter in the way of your escape route should you need to evacuate in darkness. Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and check them regularly.”

Incompatible e-bike and e-scooter chargers also increase the risk of fire, as these can push too much voltage into the battery. MFRS encourages anyone with an e-bike or e-scooter to only purchase and use manufacturer-recommended batteries and chargers. MFRS also advises that e-bike conversions can be risky and should only be done under the expert advice and guidance from a local bike shop.

AM Thomas said: “It’s important to know and recognise the signs that a lithium-ion battery may be failing – if it is swelling, making unusual sounds, has a strong smell, is failing to charge, or is smoking, please stop using and unplug immediately.”

Note: Lithium-ion items are Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEV) or powered transport

OUR ADVICE FOR E-BIKES AND E-SCOOTERS:

• Always use manufacturer-recommended batteries and chargers as incompatible chargers and batteries increase the risk of fire.
• Never charge e-bikes and e-scooters overnight, instead do this during the day and outside of the home when possible.
• Speak to your local bike shop for expert advice and guidance, instead of converting a bike into an e-bike yourself.

5 SIGNS A LITHIUM-ION BATTERY MAY BE FAILING (the five Ss):

If you notice any of these, stop using the e-bike, e-scooter or battery straight away.

• Swell - A battery swelling or bulging out of shape is a common sign of it failing
• Sound - failing lithium batteries may also make hissing or cracking sounds
• Smell - A strong or unusual smell coming from the battery may mean the battery is failing
• Stopping – If your battery stops charging, doesn’t fully charge or takes too long to charge, this can also be a sign
• Smoke – If your battery, bike or scooter is smoking, this means a fire has already started. Get out, stay out, call 999

For fire safety advice, or if you do not have working smoke alarms in your property, call 0800 731 5958. For more information or home fire safety advice, visit Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service’s Facebook (@MerseyFire), Twitter (@MerseyFire), Instagram (@Mersey_Fire) and YouTube (@MerseyFire) or www.merseyfire.gov.uk