Fire services issue warnings over e-bike batteries

Batteries should not be left charging while people are sleeping or away from their home

Fire services in Sussex have issued warnings about e-bike batteries and chargers after two fires in the county.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) have urged the public to charge and store their e-bikes safely.

The warning comes after two separate fires in Eastbourne and Pease Pottage.

Alistair Green, a station manager for Crawley, said: "If you own one of these products, it’s really important that you use them responsibly.

"Across the country we are seeing more instances of fires caused by electric bikes and scooters, and sadly some of these incidents have been fatal."

Follow instructions

Scott Saunders, an ESFRS station manager, said: "People don’t always understand the risks associated with charging e-bikes and e-scooters."

Mr Saunders said it was important to buy the devices from a reputable supplier and to store and charge them safely.

The WSFRS said manufacturers' instructions should be followed when charging an e-bike or e-scooter.

The batteries should not be over-charged, or left charging while people are sleeping or away from their home, the service added.

The warning comes after a fire at a property in Whitley Road, Eastbourne, on 13 March, which was likely to have been caused by an e-bike battery being charged in a communal area.

A fire in a block of flats in Bellevue Farm Road, Pease Pottage, on 21 February, was believed to have been caused by either a faulty e-bike charger or battery.