Amazon removes e-bike battery from sale after fire

Surrey local authorities urge residents to be "vigilant" when purchasing batteries

A dangerous e-bike battery that caused a house fire has been removed from sale on Amazon, Surrey local authorities have said.

The fire, which happened recently in a Surrey home, was caused by an unsafe unit pack power battery from a converted e-bike while it was on charge, Surrey Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) said.

Matt Perry, fire investigation officer at SFRS, said: "This fire serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with unsafe e-bike batteries."

Amazon said safety was its "top priority" and "when appropriate" it would remove products from its store.

After the blaze, the fire service said its investigations team worked with Surrey Trading Standards to assess the product and their findings led to Amazon taking action.

Mr Perry said he was pleased it had resulted in the removal of the "hazardous" product and urged people to be "vigilant" when purchasing batteries.

Amanda Poole, assistant director for Trading Standards at Surrey County Council, said: "Unsafe lithium-ion batteries pose a serious fire risk.

"Consumers should always check that batteries and chargers meet UK safety standards and be cautious of cheap or unbranded products sold online."

Amazon said safety was the company's "top priority" and it required e-mobility battery sellers to provide documented evidence that products were tested and compliant with national regulations.

"When appropriate, we remove products from the store, reach out to sellers, manufacturers, and government agencies for additional information, or take other actions to protect customers," a spokesperson said.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.