eBay Bans Private E-Bike Sales in the UK Amid Rising Fire Risks
Starting from 31 October, eBay will be restricting the sale of e-bikes and e-bike batteries to private individuals in the UK, allowing only “eligible business sellers” to list these items, according to a recent report by the BBC. While eBay has not specified the criteria for businesses to qualify, this move comes in response to increasing concerns over safety, particularly the risk of battery-related fires.
E-bikes, which are powered by rechargeable batteries and feature electrically-assisted pedals, have surged in popularity across the UK. However, with their rise, incidents of battery fires have also escalated. The London Fire Brigade reported 155 e-bike fires in 2023, marking a 78% increase from the previous year. They’ve urged users to carefully inspect their e-bike batteries, following a warning from the UK’s regulatory body that some battery packs are now officially classified as “dangerous” products.
In June, a coroner called for government intervention after a tragic incident in which a man lost his life when a fire, caused by an overheating e-bike battery, engulfed his home.
“Consumer safety is a top priority for eBay,” a company spokesperson stated, adding that the platform had already begun auditing sellers to ensure that their e-bike products carry the CE safety certification mark, a key safety requirement in Europe.
At present, eBay has nearly 3,000 used e-bikes listed for sale across the UK, which underscores the scale of the market affected by this decision.
The charity Electrical Safety First praised eBay’s voluntary change in policy but emphasized the need for more stringent laws to address the safety risks associated with e-bike batteries. “While this is a positive step, we continue to advocate for online marketplaces to be legally required to ensure the safety of products sold on their platforms,” said a spokesperson for the charity.
New legislation, such as the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, currently under consideration in Parliament, could impose stronger safety obligations on online sellers in the near future.
Have you purchased an e-bike online? What do you think about eBay’s decision to ban private e-bike sales in the UK? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And if you own an e-bike, make sure to follow our safety tips to keep your ride secure.
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