eBay to ban private e-bike sales over fire safety concerns

eBay is set to ban the sale of e-bikes and their batteries by private individuals in the UK from 31 October, citing rising concerns over battery fires.

From this date, only “eligible business sellers” will be permitted to list these items, though the company has not yet clarified the specific criteria for eligibility.

E-bikes, which use battery-powered pedals, have become increasingly popular, but the surge in usage has coincided with a sharp rise in incidents involving battery fires. The London Fire Brigade recorded 155 e-bike fires in 2023, a 78% increase from the previous year. This rise has led to warnings from safety authorities, with e-bike battery packs being officially classed as “dangerous” products by UK regulators.

In June, a coroner called for government action after a fatal fire caused by an overheating e-bike battery pack. These incidents have intensified scrutiny of e-bike safety standards.

“Consumer safety is a top priority for eBay,” a spokesperson for the platform said. Earlier this year, eBay announced plans to audit sellers to ensure their products carry the necessary CE safety documentation.

The change has been welcomed by safety advocates. Electrical Safety First, a UK charity, praised eBay’s decision but called for more robust legal frameworks to ensure that all products sold online meet safety standards. “Whilst this voluntary move is welcome, we continue to call for online marketplaces to be legally obligated to take reasonable steps to ensure products sold via their sites are safe,” said a spokesperson.

The UK’s Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, which is progressing through Parliament, could establish such legal obligations in the future, providing a further safeguard against the risks posed by unsafe e-bike batteries.

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eBay to ban private e-bike sales over fire safety concerns