Guest article – Diogelwch Ffyrdd Cymru/ Road Safety Wales
*If you rent a home with the council, you and the people you are responsible for must not store anything which could catch fire or explode in your home or in any shared area. This includes e-bikes, e-scooters, or equivalent battery charged vehicles. Further information can be found here: E-bike and e-scooter fire safety | Wrexham County Borough Council
Road Safety Wales is highlighting the law surrounding e-bikes and e-scooters and we need your help!
Some people may have innocently purchased an e-bike or e-scooter, unaware that they could be breaking the law when riding it.
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e-bikes An e-bike is an electrically assisted pedal cycle equipped with an electric motor to assist riders when they pedal. You need to be at least 14 years old to ride an e-bike, but you don’t need a driving licence.
Some people have attempted to modify their e-bike, so it is important to check that the motor has a maximum power output of 250 watts and not able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph.
By law, an e-bike cannot propel a rider unless they are pedalling as well. If you see what you think is an e-bike and the rider isn’t pedalling, it is classed as an electric motorcycle and they have much stricter rules.
You wouldn’t ride a motorcycle with a petrol engine when you didn’t have a licence or insurance – the rules are exactly the same with an electric motorcycle!
e-scooters Some people may be considering an electric scooter (e-scooter), particularly if they have seen others riding them locally.
However, it is illegal to use a privately owned e-scooter on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes. In fact, the only place to legally ride an e-scooter in Wales is on private land with the permission of the landowner – everywhere else it is against the law.
Some people may not appreciate the effect that riding illegally has. For someone with sight or hearing loss, it could have such an effect on them that they feel unable to go out on their own, hampering their mobility options and perhaps even resulting in the loss of their independence.
Unfortunately, people have already been killed and seriously injured when riding inappropriately and illegally. Nobody wants to see other families having to cope with the aftermath of similar heartbreaking incidents.
In some parts of the UK, government trials are taking place where you can rent an e-scooter and use it on the road and in cycle lanes if you hold a full or provisional driving licence. In Wales, there are currently no trials taking place. Please don’t get caught out by riding illegally. Make sure you know the law on e-bikes and e-scooters.
E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular. Most are powered by lithium-ion batteries which can be charged in the home. The use of these batteries in a wide range of household products is becoming increasing common.
It is important when charging e-bikes and e-scooters, you do so safely to avoid a risk of a fire starting and putting your families and homes at risk.
With an increased use of e-bikes and e-scooters, comes a corresponding fire safety concern associated with their charging and storage. The use of these products is expected to continue to rise. Some fire services and fire investigators have seen a rise in e-bike and e- scooter battery fires.
Charging
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging and always unplug your charger when it has finished charging.
- Ensure you have working smoke alarms. If you charge or store your e-bike or e-scooter in a garage or kitchen, ensure you install detection; we recommend heat alarms rather smoke detectors for these areas.
- Charge batteries while you are awake and alert so if a fire should occur you can respond quickly. Don’t leave batteries to charge while you are asleep or away from the home.
- Always use the manufacturer approved charger for the product and if you spot any signs of wear and tear or damage, buy an official replacement charger for your product from a reputable seller. Do not cover chargers or battery packs when charging as this could lead to overheating or even a fire.
- Do not charge batteries or store your e-bike or e-scooter near combustible or flammable materials.
- Do not overcharge your battery – check the manufacturer’s instructions for charge times.
- Do not overload socket outlets or use inappropriate extension leads – use un-coiled extensions and ensure the lead is suitably rated for what you are plugging in to it.
- In the event of an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire, do not attempt to extinguish the fire. Get out, stay out, call 999.
Storage
- Avoid storing or charging e-bikes and e-scooters on escape routes or in communal areas of a multi-occupied building. If there is a fire, it can affect people’s ability to escape.
- Responsible Persons should consider the risks posed by e-bikes and e-scooters when they are charged or left in common areas such bike stores, mobility scooter charging rooms or other means of escape. They may wish to offer advice to residents on the safe use, storage and charging of these products.
- Store e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries in a cool place. Avoid storing them in excessively hot or cold areas.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for the storage and maintenance of lithium -ion batteries if they are not going to be used for extended periods of time.
Damage and disposal
If you need to dispose of a damaged or end of life battery, do not dispose of it in your household waste or normal recycling. These batteries, when punctured or crushed can cause fires in bin lorries, recycling and waste centres.
If you require more information about e-bikes or e-scooters, please contact Road Safety Wales. Telephone: 02920 250600 E-mail: communication@roadsafetywales.co.uk
You can also contact your local road safety team here.
