Title: "Urgent Alert: Hazardous E-Bike Batteries Linked to Fires and Explosions Still Sold Nationwide"
Urgent Warning: Check Your E-Bike Battery to Prevent Fire Risks
Critical Alert for E-Bike Owners
Safety experts are urging e-bike owners to immediately check their batteries due to a dangerous defect linked to fires. An investigation by Electrical Safety First revealed that faulty e-bike batteries, sold via Facebook Marketplace, pose a severe fire hazard. These batteries, branded UPP (Unit Pack Power), can overheat to 600°C (1112°F), triggering explosive fires that are difficult to extinguish.
Faulty UPP batteries have been found in cities like London, Manchester, Hull, and Southampton.
Identifying the Dangerous Batteries
The affected models are UPP U004 and U004-1, identifiable by a triangular shape and labels on the battery casing (see image). A government recall was issued in January 2024 after incidents, including a Surrey home fire and a destructive blaze in Coventry. Despite bans on platforms like Amazon and eBay, private sellers continue listing them on Facebook Marketplace.
Check your battery for model numbers U004 or U004-1.
Immediate Action Required
If you own one of these batteries:
- Stop using it immediately.
- Do not charge or store it indoors.
- Contact the seller for a refund or safe disposal.
Thermal runaway in these batteries releases toxic fumes and sparks intense fires. A seller even admitted one was "a little burnt" from being near a radiator, highlighting the danger.
Calls for Stricter Regulations
Electrical Safety First is pushing for laws requiring mandatory safety certifications for e-bike batteries, as current regulations allow self-certification by manufacturers. Giuseppe Capanna, a safety engineer, emphasized, "Online marketplaces must be legally accountable for preventing dangerous products."
A Coventry home damaged by a UPP battery fire in 2023.
What’s Next?
The UK government is reviewing the Product Regulation & Metrology Bill to address e-bike fire risks. Until stricter laws are enforced, consumers should:
- Purchase batteries from reputable sellers.
- Check for safety certifications (e.g., CE or UL marks).
- Avoid second-hand batteries without verified history.
Stay Safe
E-bikes are eco-friendly, but faulty batteries risk lives. Verify your battery’s model and spread awareness to prevent disasters. For more details, visit Electrical Safety First’s advisory page.
Report suspicious listings to local authorities and online platforms immediately.
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