The announcement comes amid growing concerns over fire incidents linked to e-bike batteries
From 31 October, eBay will impose new restrictions on the sale of e-bikes and e-bike batteries in the UK, allowing only “eligible business sellers” to list these products, the BBC has learned. eBay has not yet clarified what criteria sellers will need to meet to be eligible.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over fire incidents linked to e-bike batteries. E-bikes, which are powered by electrically-assisted pedals, have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. However, the London Fire Brigade reported 155 e-bike fires in 2023, a 78 per cent increase from the previous year. The brigade urged e-bike users to inspect their batteries, as the UK’s regulatory body recently classified battery packs as “dangerous” products.
Concerns over battery safety intensified in June following a tragic incident in which a man lost his life after an e-bike battery he was charging overheated and caught fire. In response, a coroner called for more government action to prevent similar incidents. eBay echoed the importance of safety, with a spokesperson stating, “Consumer safety is a top priority for eBay.”
Earlier this year, eBay had announced plans to audit sellers, requiring them to provide CE mark certification for e-bike products, verifying compliance with European safety standards. Currently, an estimated 3,000 used e-bikes are listed for sale on eBay’s UK platform.
The charity Electrical Safety First welcomed eBay’s decision but said that new laws were necessary to address the risks posed by e-bike batteries. “Whilst this voluntary move is welcome, we continue to call for online marketplaces to be legally obligated to take reasonable steps to ensure products sold via their sites are safe,” a spokesperson for the charity stated.
The ongoing Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, now making its way through Parliament, could potentially bring legal obligations requiring online marketplaces to improve safety checks on listed products in the future.
