eBay is to ban private sales of e-bikes and their batteries in the UK from 31 October, due to growing concerns about battery fires.
As of this date, only “eligible business sellers” will be allowed to list these items, although the company has not specified a specific eligibility criteria.
E-bikes, which use battery-powered pedals, have become very popular, but the increase in use has been accompanied by a sharp increase in incidents involving battery fires. The London Fire Brigade recorded 155 e-bike fires in 2023, a 78% increase on the previous year. The rise has led to warnings from safety authorities, with e-bike battery packs being officially classified as “dangerous” products by UK regulators.
In June, an investigator called for government action after a fatal fire caused by an overheated e-bike battery. These incidents have intensified scrutiny of bike safety standards.
“The safety of buyers is eBay’s top priority,” said a spokesperson for the forum. Earlier this year, eBay announced plans to audit sellers to ensure that their products carry the necessary CE safety documents.
This change was welcomed by security advocates. Electrical Safety First, a UK charity, has praised eBay’s decision but called for stronger legal frameworks to ensure all products sold online meet safety standards. “While this voluntary step is welcome, we continue to request that online marketplaces be legally obligated to take appropriate steps to ensure that the products sold through their sites are safe,” the spokesperson said.
The UK’s Product Control and Metrology Bill, which is currently in Parliament, could establish such legal obligations in the future, providing further protection against the dangers caused by unsafe bike batteries.
