A London bus driver, Don Hettiarachchi, is cautioning people about the potential dangers of converted e-bikes after experiencing a devastating fire that destroyed his home in New Malden, southwest London. The incident occurred when his son’s e-bike, which had been converted from a second-hand bike, caught fire while charging in the conservatory.
Don Hettiarachchi vividly recalls the harrowing experience of hearing the smoke alarm go off and discovering his house filled with smoke. Fortunately, the family managed to escape the blaze, but the damage was significant, leading them to seek refuge in emergency accommodation for weeks. The aftermath of the fire left them with nothing, as their home insurance had lapsed.
Reflecting on the incident, Mr. Hettiarachchi emphasizes the importance of thorough research before purchasing e-bikes or conversion kits. He urges buyers to ensure the compatibility of batteries and chargers, and to buy from reputable sellers to avoid potential hazards. Additionally, he advises against leaving e-bikes unattended while charging, especially overnight, to mitigate risks.
A study conducted in London revealed that a significant percentage of residents were considering purchasing e-bikes, e-scooters, or conversion kits during seasonal sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, concerns have been raised about the safety of modified e-bikes, with data showing that a substantial number of e-bike fires are attributed to conversion kits.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has been actively raising awareness through campaigns like ChargeSafe, emphasizing the importance of safely charging and storing e-bikes and e-scooters. The brigade has responded to numerous incidents involving e-bike and e-scooter fires, underlining the risks associated with substandard products and deals that seem too good to be true.
Richard Field, the deputy assistant commissioner for prevention and protection at LFB, warns consumers to exercise caution when tempted by discounted offers, as compromising on quality could have severe repercussions. Lesley Rudd, the chief executive of Electrical Safety First, stresses the critical role of purchasing from reliable sources to prevent potential safety hazards.
The incident involving Don Hettiarachchi’s converted e-bike serves as a stark reminder of the importance of electrical safety measures and informed decision-making in the growing market for e-bikes and e-scooters. As the popularity of electric mobility solutions continues to rise, ensuring product quality and adhering to safety guidelines are paramount to prevent similar incidents and safeguard individuals and properties from harm.
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