Electric bikes have been gaining popularity, with many consumers turning to eBike conversion kits as an affordable way to enjoy the benefits of riding an electric bike. However, the UK cycle industry trade bodies, the Bicycle Association (BA), and the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT), have raised concerns about the legal responsibilities that retailers take on when fitting these conversion kits.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued guidance confirming that retailers who convert bicycles into e-bikes through kits are legally responsible for the safety of the end product. This means retailers assume the role of the e-bike manufacturer and must comply with various product safety regulations in the UK.
The BA and ACT strongly recommend that retailers fitting e-bike conversion kits ensure they have product liability insurance that covers e-bike manufacture. They must also understand their legal duties, including CE or UKCA marking the new e-bike, maintaining a Technical File, providing safety information to users, and registering as producers of electrical waste.
Furthermore, retailers should inform customers that converted e-bikes rely on the mechanical safety of the original bike and that warranties on the donor cycle may be voided by fitting a conversion kit. Retailers must also be transparent about the legal restrictions imposed by brand and distributor contracts regarding the installation of conversion kits.
When considering fitting conversion kits, retailers are advised to request documentation from kit suppliers to demonstrate compliance with safety regulations. However, retailers may face challenges in proving compliance, especially concerning the structural safety of the donor bike frame and braking performance.
The BA and ACT emphasize the importance of safety in e-bike conversions and urge retailers to prioritize compliance with safety regulations, particularly concerning battery fire safety. Retailers failing to meet legal requirements risk enforcement actions by Trading Standards.
Both trade bodies are actively engaged with the Office for Product Safety and Standards to address industry concerns and provide clearer guidance on the regulatory landscape for e-bike conversions. The aim is to enhance consumer awareness and industry compliance with safety standards.
Jonathan Harrison, Director of ACT, emphasized the legal obligations that retailers undertake by installing conversion kits, highlighting the need for retailers to be fully informed about the regulatory complexities involved. Peter Eland, Technical & Policy Director at the Bicycle Association, stressed that safety should always be the top priority in e-bike conversions.
As the popularity of e-bike conversion kits continues to rise, it is crucial for retailers to be well-informed about the legal responsibilities they assume and to prioritize the safety of consumers. By adhering to regulatory requirements and ensuring compliance with safety standards, retailers can offer e-bike conversion services responsibly and sustainably.
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