A recent coroner’s report has raised significant concerns about the safety of lithium-ion batteries, particularly those used in electric bikes and scooters, following a tragic incident that claimed the life of Bobby Lee. The report highlights the need for immediate action to prevent future deaths related to the use of such batteries and chargers.
Bobby Lee, aged 74, tragically lost his life on July 6, 2023, when a house fire, caused by an over-charging lithium-ion e-bike battery, led to smoke inhalation and severe burn injuries. The coroner’s investigation revealed several worrying aspects regarding lithium-ion battery safety, conversion kits, and chargers.
The key concerns highlighted in the report are as follows:
- Increase in Fires: The report revealed that Bobby Lee’s death was one of three in London in 2023 related to fires caused by faulty lithium-ion batteries and/or chargers for e-bikes or e-scooters. Furthermore, the number of fires in London attributed to electric-powered personal vehicles has significantly risen in recent years, posing a growing risk to public safety.
- Quality of Conversion Kits: Lithium-ion batteries sold as part of e-bike conversion kits tend to be of inferior quality and construction when compared to those manufactured for purpose-built e-bikes, increasing the risk of malfunction and fire incidents.
- Charger Quality: Chargers for sale on online marketplaces, in particular, often fail to meet appropriate safety standards. These chargers may carry markings that suggest compliance with safety standards, but they can be counterfeit or unsuitable, as in Bobby Lee’s case, where a charger purportedly marked as ‘CE’ was not genuine and denoted ‘Chinese Export’.
- Lack of Standards: The absence of British or European standards specific to e-bike conversion kits and chargers means that it is relatively easy for people to purchase low-quality or unsafe products online. This lack of regulation increases the risk of using unsuitable chargers or mixing batteries with chargers of different voltage ratings.
- Thermal Runaway Risk: Charging a lithium-ion battery with a charger having a different voltage rating can lead to thermal runaway, resulting in catastrophic battery failure, sparking, and the emission of toxic, flammable vapors.
The report acknowledges that the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has taken steps to address these concerns, including commissioning the British Standards Institute (BSI) to prepare a fast-track standard for e-bike conversion kits. However, it notes that this work has not been completed, and further action is required to ensure the safety of lithium-ion batteries, chargers, and conversion kits.
The coroner’s report calls upon the OPSS to introduce appropriate safety standards promptly, as they have the authority to do so. It emphasizes the urgent need for controls and standards governing the sale of these products in the UK to prevent further tragedies.
The OPSS is expected to respond to the report within 56 days, outlining the actions taken or proposed and setting out a timetable for action. Failure to respond or provide adequate measures may extend the period for response, but it is essential to address these critical safety concerns promptly.
