A dangerous e-bike battery linked to a house fire in Surrey has been successfully removed from sale on Amazon, following a collaborative investigation by Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and Surrey Trading Standards.
The fire, which broke out recently in a Surrey home, was caused by a faulty Unit Pack Power battery pack from a converted e-bike while it was charging. The incident has sparked fresh warnings about the risks posed by substandard lithium-ion batteries, often sold online without proper safety checks.
Investigation Leads to Market Removal
After a thorough investigation by Surrey’s Fire Investigation team, the battery was identified as the source of the blaze. Working in partnership with Surrey Trading Standards, the findings were shared with Amazon, who subsequently removed the product from sale, potentially preventing further dangerous incidents.
Matt Perry, Fire Investigation Officer at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“This fire serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with unsafe e-bike batteries.
We are committed to keeping Surrey residents safe, and I am pleased that our partnership with Trading Standards has resulted in the removal of this hazardous product from the market.”
Public Urged to Be Cautious When Buying Batteries
Consumers are being urged to exercise caution when purchasing batteries and chargers, particularly from online marketplaces where unregulated products may bypass standard safety checks.
Amanda Poole, Assistant Director for Trading Standards at Surrey County Council, added:
“Unsafe lithium-ion batteries pose a serious fire risk.
We are pleased to have taken swift action to have this product removed. Consumers should always ensure that batteries and chargers meet UK safety standards and be cautious of cheap or unbranded items sold online.”
Fire Safety Campaign Highlights Growing Risk
The incident comes amid growing concern over the rising number of fires caused by faulty lithium-ion batteries, particularly in e-bikes and e-scooters. As part of its efforts to prevent further incidents, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service continues to promote its #BatteryWise campaign, offering guidance on the safe use, storage, and disposal of rechargeable batteries.
Safety Advice for Consumers:
- Purchase batteries and chargers from reputable retailers and manufacturers
- Check for UK safety certification (e.g., CE, UKCA markings)
- Never charge batteries unsupervised or overnight
- Avoid using batteries or chargers that appear damaged, swollen, or unbranded
- Store batteries away from flammable materials and in a cool, dry location
For more information on staying safe around lithium-ion batteries, visit Surrey Fire and Rescue Service’s #BatteryWise campaign page.
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