Londoners are buying cheap lithium batteries online and converting bicycles
into e-bikes, putting lives at risk, London Fire Brigade (LFB) says.

Last year, the fire service was called out to 87 fires involving e-bikes,
up from 49 in 2021.

Batteries that may not adhere to UK safety regulations are "more likely to
fail and catch fire", a spokesperson for the brigade said on Twitter.

It is "concerned" that some conversion kits could be putting people at
risk.

Faulty batteries can also swell out of shape, make a hissing or cracking
sound, emit a strong smell and smoke, and fail to hold their charge.

E-bike fire warning renewed by London Fire Brigade
"In 2023 we've been called to, on average, an e-bike or e-scooter fire once
every two days," LFB said.

Conversion kits allow people to fix an electric motor to their bicycle, but
some are sold without a battery.
This leads people to buy them separately, sometimes from a different,
cheaper seller, the brigade said.
"Buying batteries second-hand means you may be buying a battery that is
already damaged and a fire risk," it added.

"DIY installations can also lead to damage of the kit, increasing the
chances of battery failure and the likelihood of a fire."

The brigade recommended that Londoners hired a professional to carry out
the conversion.

<https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-65139476>

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