The new government has insisted that cladding works need to speed up following Grenfell
A total of 58 recommendations have been made by the Grenfell inquiry, including for the construction industry, to the government, and firefighters.
Read moreThe market for electric bikes, scooters and mopeds is expanding, which is a positive trend for cutting carbon emissions. Studies show they have a low carbon footprint.
In cities like London, the number of fires caused by e-bikes and e-scooters is increasing. The insurer Aviva has been seeing customer claims related to fires which started due to rechargeable e-bikes exploding during charging, including claims involving failed e-bike batteries and e-bikes purchased second-hand.
Aviva reports that 71% of adults surveyed in the UK didn’t know the signs that a lithium-ion battery, the type found in e-bikes and e-scooters, is on the verge of failure. These warning signs include heating, leaking, swelling, and unusual smells and noises.
Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are not so much traditional fires. They are explosive, with lots of flammable gases involved. These fires also spread incredibly quickly, making it challenging for firefighters to respond in time.
The rapid rise of e-bikes means that regulations have been lagging behind the market. Incompatible and uncertified batteries are major contributors to fire risks that can lead to thermal runaway. Thermal runaway is a kind of explosive chain reaction where a cell inside a lithium-ion battery overheats, which then spreads to the many other cells in the battery.
The London Fire Brigade has advised riders to let their batteries cool down before recharging, charge on flat hard surfaces, avoid extreme temperatures, and keep fire alarms in good condition. Another frequently dispensed piece of advice is to never leave a charging battery unattended, especially overnight.
At FirePrevent, we would advise that e-bikes and e-scooters are not left as means of escape routes. We would urge residential buildings of more than one dwelling to have an up to date fire risk assessment and a satisfactory fire safety management plan.
