This year alone, the London Fire Brigade has been called to 48 e-bike fires and 12 e-scooter fires.
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An e-scooter in Brent, north-west London, has caught fire while charging.
The explosion happened in the kitchen of security guard Dell Williams, 37, but he was not near the kitchen when the fire occurred.
Williams had bought the scooter a fortnight earlier, having seen it listed on the online marketplace Gumtree.
These incidents have mounted over the past year after the increase in the number of cheaper e-bikes and scooters sold online, often with faulty lithium-ion batteries.
Transport minister Jesse Norman has told the Commons’ Transport Select Committee that e-scooter and e-bike fires are “an issue of serious concern”. He said that the Government is “working hard on it”.
This year alone, the London Fire Brigade has been called to 48 e-bike fires and 12 e-scooter fires.
They have advised that users of e-scooters and e-bikes allow their batteries to cool down before recharging them. They have also been told to ensure they buy chargers and batteries from reputable sellers.
Williams advised users to follow the LFB’s advise, and that people “shouldn’t have e-scooters in the house. Charge outside.”
He added: “I was shocked, I am shocked now. I am so grateful that no-one else was hurt. I cheated death.”
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HeadlineFire Brigade warning after e-scooter bursts into flames in Brent kitchen
Short HeadlineE-scooter bursts into flames in London kitchen
Standfirst48 e-bike fires and 12 e-scooter fires have already taken place in the capital so far this year.
An e-scooter in Brent, north-west London, has caught fire while charging.
The explosion happened in the kitchen of security guard Dell Williams, 37, but he was not near the kitchen when the fire occurred.
Williams had bought the scooter a fortnight earlier, having seen it listed on the online marketplace Gumtree.
These incidents have mounted over the past year after the increase in the number of cheaper e-bikes and scooters sold online, often with faulty lithium-ion batteries.
Transport minister Jesse Norman has told the Commons’ Transport Select Committee that e-scooter and e-bike fires are “an issue of serious concern”. He said that the Government is “working hard on it”.
This year alone, the London Fire Brigade has been called to 48 e-bike fires and 12 e-scooter fires.
They have advised that users of e-scooters and e-bikes allow their batteries to cool down before recharging them. They have also been told to ensure they buy chargers and batteries from reputable sellers.
Williams advised users to follow the LFB’s advise, and that people “shouldn’t have e-scooters in the house. Charge outside.”
He added: “I was shocked, I am shocked now. I am so grateful that no-one else was hurt. I cheated death.”