Ashington Town Council Backs Campaign for New E-Bike Battery Safety Laws
Ashington Town Council has formally voted to support a nationwide campaign seeking to improve the safety of lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and e-scooters. The decision was made at the recent Climate Change and Environment Committee meeting held on 30th July.
The council is backing the Battery Safety Campaign led by consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First, which calls for the introduction of new legislation to tackle the growing issue of lithium-ion battery fires. These incidents have become a significant safety concern across the UK, with 11 people losing their lives to fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters last year, and hundreds more injured. Watch Scott's Story in the YouTube link included.
Key actions agreed by Ashington Town Council include:
- Writing a formal letter of support to the campaign led by Electrical Safety First and Lord Foster.
- Publicising their support through this press release, highlighting the council's commitment to public safety and environmental responsibility.
- Seeking information from Northumberland Fire & Safety and Northumberland County Council to educate residents about the risks and proper disposal methods for lithium-ion batteries.
- Promoting awareness about the safe use and disposal of lithium-ion batteries within the Ashington community.
- Encouraging local retailers to adhere to safety standards and provide proper information to consumers.
- Writing to Ian Lavery MP, asking him to support the Safety of Electric-Powered Micromobility and Lithium Batteries Act 2023 during its legislative process.
- Expanding the scope of their safety campaign to include the correct disposal of battery vapes.
The proposed legislation includes mandatory third-party safety certification for all e-bikes, e-scooters, and their lithium-ion batteries before they can be sold in the UK. This measure aims to ensure that safe and compliant products enter people's homes, as currently, manufacturers can self-declare that their batteries are safe.
Ashington Town Council believes that taking action now is essential to prevent further tragedies and protect our communities. Chair of the Climate Change and Environment Committee, Cllr Paul Wright said, “By supporting Electrical Safety First's campaign for legislation to ensure the safety of lithium-ion batteries, and addressing the disposal of battery vapes, the Council is advocating for the safety of its residents while also working towards its priorities of taking urgent action to fight the effects of climate change and improving the environment by providing a pleasant and safe place to live.”
The Council encourages other local authorities, organisations, and individuals to join this effort to ensure that all e-bikes, e-scooters, and battery-powered devices are safe for use and properly disposed of.
Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First said, "The increasing number of fires caused by e-bike and e-scooter batteries shows how urgently we need news laws to tackle this issue. It is our local communities feeling the effects of these fires, which is why we're calling for the introduction of mandatory third-party certification to make sure these products are safe before they reach our homes. We're thrilled to have the support from councils and organisations across the country. Their involvement is pivotal in tackling this deadly issue and bringing about new safety measures.”
For more information about the Battery Safety Campaign, visit: https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/battery-breakdown/battery-safety-campaign/
