Two recent house fires in Swindon caused by e-bikes have sparked an urgent warning.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said that it has attended two blazes involving homes in the town – where occupants lives were put at risk.
Firefighters found they were both linked to cheap conversion kits, which turn bicycles into motor vehicles. Wiltshire Police are currently cracking down on their use on public roads.
Conversion kits can be sourced online from as little as £50 on eBay – but often don’t have safety features installed to prevent fires.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: “We have been called to two serious fires caused by e-bikes, where lives could have been lost.
“Cheap conversion kits don’t have the safeguards of official ones, and can easily lead to fire.
“Leaving an e-bike or e-scooter on charge in the home overnight or unattended is dangerous.
“Don’t leave anything on charge where it blocks your exit.”
The service is backing national efforts to introduce stricter laws surrounding the safety of e-bikes and e-scooters, calling for tighter regulations to help prevent future incidents.
Find out more about fire safety relating to electric vehicles here >
