'Don't buy an illegal e-bike for Christmas'

Councillor Trevor Muten is discouraging residents from buying e-bikes online

Authorities in East Sussex are warning people about the dangers of buying illegal e-bikes over Christmas due to the risk of fires and the high speeds they can reach.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said it had attended 30 fires involving e-bikes, batteries and scooters since January 2024.

Authorities were taking part in a joint day of action in Brighton last week, warning people about the risk of illegal e-bikes, which are often cheaper than purpose-built e-bikes.

The fire service highlighted one particular fire in October 2023 where 10 households at flats in Saunders Park View were displaced due to a blaze caused by a fault with an e-bike on charge.

Police inspected e-bikes in central Brighton during a day of action

"During the charging cycle, the charger was potentially too small for it and caused a large fire which ripped through the property rather quickly," said Derek Hamilton, station manager at Preston Circus in the city.

"Ideally we shouldn't store them indoors or leave them unattended."

Trevor Muten, Brighton & Hove City Council's cabinet member for transport and city infrastructure, said: "I discourage residents from buying online because of the risk, maybe inadvertently, of buying something that's illegal to use.

"Please do not buy an illegal e-bike for Christmas."

Mr Muten said the council's Trading Standards team was cracking down on shops selling illegal e-bikes, but admitted it was hard to stop people buying them online.

What makes an e-bike illegal?

Currently anyone over the age of 14 can ride a legal e-bike, as long as it has pedals, has an output of no more than 250W and the motor does not power the bike at speeds above 15.5mph (25km/h).

Otherwise it's legally classed as a moped or motorcycle and the rider would need a driving licence, registration and a helmet, and pay insurance and tax.

Sussex Police were also at the day of action outside St Peter's Church in Brighton.

The force were inspecting and testing people's e-bikes and would seize and crush those that were able to reach speeds higher than 15.5mph on a rolling road system.