eBay is set to ban the sale of e-bikes and their batteries by individuals in the UK from October 31, citing growing concerns about battery fires.
As of this date, only “qualified business sellers” will be allowed to list these items, though the company has not yet clarified the exact criteria for eligibility.
E-bikes, which use battery-powered pedals, have become increasingly popular, but the increase in use has coincided with a sharp rise in accidents involving battery fires. London Fire Brigade recorded 155 e-bike fires in 2023, an increase of 78% on the previous year. The rise has led to warnings from safety authorities, with e-bike battery packs officially classified as “dangerous” products by UK regulators.
In June, a coroner called on the government to take action after a fatal fire caused by an overheating e-bike battery. These incidents have intensified scrutiny of e-bike safety standards.
“Consumer safety is a top priority for eBay,” a platform spokesperson said. Earlier this year, eBay announced plans to audit sellers to ensure their products carry the necessary CE safety documentation.
Safety advocates welcomed the change. Electrical Safety First, a British charity, praised eBay’s decision, but called for stronger legal frameworks to ensure that all products sold online meet safety standards. A spokesperson for the company said: “While this voluntary move is welcome, we continue to advocate that online marketplaces are legally obligated to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of products sold through their sites.”
The UK Product Regulation and Standardization Bill, now going through Parliament, could create such legal obligations in the future, providing an additional safeguard against the risks posed by unsafe e-bike batteries.