Recurring concern

Inadequate controls on the sale of lithium-ion e-bike batteries and chargers

First to latest report 29 Aug 2023 — 5 Aug 2025

Reports that mention this concern: 4
Times this concern has been raised: 5
Stated actions linked to this concern: 12

What this concern includes

Includes failures in standards, regulation, conformity controls or other sale controls governing lithium-ion batteries and chargers for e-bikes and e-bike conversion kits, including online sales, where the deficiency can permit unsafe quality or incompatible battery-and-charger combinations.

What is not included

Excludes battery design, construction or manufacturing defects where no deficient sale or market-control process is identified.
Excludes failures involving battery storage, transport, use, charging or fire response after sale when the sale-control process itself is not deficient.
Excludes generic lithium-ion battery hazards and public-awareness concerns without a failure in controls governing sale.
Excludes product-control concerns involving unrelated batteries, chargers or electrical products.

Trends

Reports over time

Reports mentioning this concern, over time

Reports about this concern issued each year.

* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.

Most frequent recipients

Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.

Office for Product Safety and Standards4

Department for Transport1

West of England Combined Authority1

Reports and published responses 4 reports

See individual reports that have raised this concern, and the actions taken in response

5 Aug2025
West Yorkshire (Western)
Concerns raised1
1. Lack of regulation of lithium-ion battery sales, especially e-bike conversion batteries sold through online marketplaces
This report raised 3 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Linked response

Office for Product Safety and Standards
Stated actions 2
1. Office for Product Safety and Standards
  Hold major online marketplaces to account for their e-bike product-safety responsibilities, including implementation of statutory battery-safety guidelines.
2. Office for Product Safety and Standards
  Prohibit UK sale and supply of two dangerous UPP battery models through withdrawal notices served on marketplaces, manufacturers and other sellers.
AI-generated summary

Mohsin Janjua · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

Mohsin Janjua died on 02/12/2023 after a fire at his home, caused by the catastrophic failure of an ion-lithium battery charging an e-bike. The report raises concerns about the unregulated online sale of lithium-ion batteries, the responsibility of online marketplaces for product safety and legal compliance, and public awareness of the risks of e-bike batteries in domestic properties.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Lack of regulation of lithium-ion battery sales, especially e-bike conversion batteries sold through online marketplaces
Wider context from the report
“To review and reconsider the adequacy of the of the current unregulated sale of lithium-ion batteries, especially those intended for e-bike conversions through online market places, since they pose a significant and growing risk to public safety. ”
Source location
Mohsin Janjua · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 2 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Hold major online marketplaces to account for their e-bike product-safety responsibilities, including implementation of statutory battery-safety guidelines.

Verbatim wording from the response
“OPSS senior leaders regularly meet with the major online marketplaces operating in the UK market to hold them to account for their product safety responsibilities, including implementing these guidelines.”

Source location
Response from Office for Product Safety and Standards
Page 2 · response
Published 5 August 2025
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Prohibit UK sale and supply of two dangerous UPP battery models through withdrawal notices served on marketplaces, manufacturers and other sellers.

Verbatim wording from the response
“Enforcement Action OPSS’ investigation into the safety of the lithium-ion battery involved in the fire which led to Mr Janjua’s death, and another serious fire in the West Midlands, identified the specific models of UPP battery involved. The evidence enabled OPSS to take enforcement action in January 2024 to prohibit the sale of these battery models in the UK, which included their supply by online marketplaces. 26 Withdrawal Notices were served on eight online marketplaces, two manufacturers and 16 other sellers, requiring them to immediately stop the supply of two dangerous models of UPP battery. OPSS also published public safety messages advising consumers not to use the models and how to dispose of them safely.”

Source location
Response from Office for Product Safety and Standards
Page 2 · response
Published 5 August 2025
Open published response
25 Jun2024
Avon
Concerns raised1
1. Lack of British or European standards controlling lithium-ion e-bike batteries and chargers sold in the UK
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Linked responses

Department for Transport
Office for Product Safety and Standards
West of England Combined Authority
Stated actions 6
1. Office for Product Safety and Standards
  Conduct commissioned research into e-bike and e-scooter hazards, compatibility issues and relevant standards, pending independent peer review and publication.
2. Office for Product Safety and Standards
  Consider relevant recommendations from the commissioned research on potential changes to voluntary product standards.
3. Office for Product Safety and Standards
  Commission development of a publicly available specification covering e-bikes, e-scooters, batteries, conversion kits and related products.
1. Office for Product Safety and Standards
  Designate the BS EN 15194 e-bike standard, subject to stated restrictions, to provide a presumption of legal conformity.
2. West of England Combined Authority
  Continue participating in the national e-scooter trial.
3. Department for Transport
  Conduct research on developing future e-scooter regulations, including battery safety, and publish its findings.
Respondent positions 4
1. Office for Product Safety and Standards
  Creation of new voluntary standards is a matter for the British Standards Institution, while OPSS will consider relevant research recommendations.
  Redirects responsibility
1. West of England Combined Authority
  Specific action on lithium-ion battery safety does not lie within the Combined Authority’s strategic functions.
  Outside remit
2. West of England Combined Authority
  National government must address lithium-ion battery safety concerns through legislation and regulation in the first instance.
  Redirects responsibility
3. Department for Transport
  The Office for Product Safety and Standards is best placed to address consumer-product safety, enforcement and standards matters.
  Redirects responsibility
AI-generated summary

Abdul Jabar Oryakhel · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

Abdul Jabar Oryakhel died on 25 September 2022 after falling from the window of his top-floor flat while trying to escape a fire. The fire was caused by overheating and ignition of a lithium-ion battery pack used for an e-bike, and concerns were raised about insufficient understanding of the dangers of such batteries and the absence of a British or European standard controlling the batteries and chargers sold in the UK.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Lack of British or European standards controlling lithium-ion e-bike batteries and chargers sold in the UK
Wider context from the report
“I understand that there is currently no British or European (e.g. BSI or PAS) standard to control what lithium ion e-bike batteries and chargers can be sold in the UK. ”
Source location
Abdul Jabar Oryakhel · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 2 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Conduct commissioned research into e-bike and e-scooter hazards, compatibility issues and relevant standards, pending independent peer review and publication.

Verbatim wording from the response
“In your report, you have raised a concern over a lack of understanding of risks in this area and the lack of a specific British Standard for e-bike batteries and chargers. Our research and evidence points to complexity with the products and associated components, which may be safe when placed on the market but may become unsafe if modified or non-compatible replacement batteries or chargers are used. As part of our e-bike programme, OPSS commissioned a research study from Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) into potential hazards and risks from e-bikes and e-scooters, including their batteries. This includes compatibility issues as well as an assessment of all relevant standards, to identify any areas where changes to voluntary standards could assist businesses to comply with the law. We expect the research to be published soon, once it has completed independent peer reviews.”

Source location
Response from OPSS
Page 2 · response
Published 28 June 2024
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Consider relevant recommendations from the commissioned research on potential changes to voluntary product standards.

Verbatim wording from the response
“While the creation of new voluntary standards is a matter for the British Standards Institution (BSI), we will carefully consider any relevant recommendations made by WMG. OPSS has already commissioned BSI to develop a Publicly Available Specification for e-bikes, e-scooters, their batteries, and conversion kits and related products, which we hope to be in place in the next 18 months. OPSS has previously designated, with restrictions, the standard BS EN 15194 for e-bikes, which gives products that meet the standard a presumption of conformity with the law (except in regard to the clauses restricted under the designation). However, whether businesses choose to follow a standard remains voluntary, and they must still meet all their obligations in law.”

Source location
Response from OPSS
Page 2 · response
Published 28 June 2024
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Commission development of a publicly available specification covering e-bikes, e-scooters, batteries, conversion kits and related products.

Verbatim wording from the response
“While the creation of new voluntary standards is a matter for the British Standards Institution (BSI), we will carefully consider any relevant recommendations made by WMG. OPSS has already commissioned BSI to develop a Publicly Available Specification for e-bikes, e-scooters, their batteries, and conversion kits and related products, which we hope to be in place in the next 18 months. OPSS has previously designated, with restrictions, the standard BS EN 15194 for e-bikes, which gives products that meet the standard a presumption of conformity with the law (except in regard to the clauses restricted under the designation). However, whether businesses choose to follow a standard remains voluntary, and they must still meet all their obligations in law.”

Source location
Response from OPSS
Page 2 · response
Published 28 June 2024
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Designate the BS EN 15194 e-bike standard, subject to stated restrictions, to provide a presumption of legal conformity.

Verbatim wording from the response
“While the creation of new voluntary standards is a matter for the British Standards Institution (BSI), we will carefully consider any relevant recommendations made by WMG. OPSS has already commissioned BSI to develop a Publicly Available Specification for e-bikes, e-scooters, their batteries, and conversion kits and related products, which we hope to be in place in the next 18 months. OPSS has previously designated, with restrictions, the standard BS EN 15194 for e-bikes, which gives products that meet the standard a presumption of conformity with the law (except in regard to the clauses restricted under the designation). However, whether businesses choose to follow a standard remains voluntary, and they must still meet all their obligations in law.”

Source location
Response from OPSS
Page 2 · response
Published 28 June 2024
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Continue participating in the national e-scooter trial.

Verbatim wording from the response
“The Combined Authority is continuing to participate in the national e-scooter trial. Through this, the Combined Authority can contribute evidence of e-scooter (and now e-Bike) usage, making the case for legislation and regulation that safely incorporates e-scooters into the transport system. The Combined Authority is also able to work with Tier to communicate best practice in terms of safe e-scooter use (including charging) and demonstrate the benefits of high product safety standards.”

Source location
Response from West of England Combined Authority
Page 3 · response
Published 28 June 2024
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Conduct research on developing future e-scooter regulations, including battery safety, and publish its findings.

Verbatim wording from the response
“The Office for Product Safety and Standards has commissioned research from Warwick Manufacturing Group to better understand the safety issues associated with the lithium-ion batteries. The outcome of this research, coupled with research from the Department for Transport on how future regulations on e-scooters could be developed (and which contains a section on battery safety) will inform any further action from government. Both pieces of research are scheduled to be published later this year.”

Source location
Response from Department of Transport
Page 2 · response
Published 28 June 2024
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Creation of new voluntary standards is a matter for the British Standards Institution, while OPSS will consider relevant research recommendations.

Verbatim wording from the response
“While the creation of new voluntary standards is a matter for the British Standards Institution (BSI), we will carefully consider any relevant recommendations made by WMG. OPSS has already commissioned BSI to develop a Publicly Available Specification for e-bikes, e-scooters, their batteries, and conversion kits and related products, which we hope to be in place in the next 18 months. OPSS has previously designated, with restrictions, the standard BS EN 15194 for e-bikes, which gives products that meet the standard a presumption of conformity with the law (except in regard to the clauses restricted under the designation). However, whether businesses choose to follow a standard remains voluntary, and they must still meet all their obligations in law.”

Source location
Response from OPSS
Page 2 · response
Published 28 June 2024
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Specific action on lithium-ion battery safety does not lie within the Combined Authority’s strategic functions.

Verbatim wording from the response
“Specific actions to address the concerns raised by the Coroner do not lie within the strategic functions of the West of England Combined Authority. The areas of concern require national government action in the first instance, through legislation and regulation.”

Source location
Response from West of England Combined Authority
Page 1 · response
Published 28 June 2024
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
National government must address lithium-ion battery safety concerns through legislation and regulation in the first instance.

Verbatim wording from the response
“Specific actions to address the concerns raised by the Coroner do not lie within the strategic functions of the West of England Combined Authority. The areas of concern require national government action in the first instance, through legislation and regulation.”

Source location
Response from West of England Combined Authority
Page 1 · response
Published 28 June 2024
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
The Office for Product Safety and Standards is best placed to address consumer-product safety, enforcement and standards matters.

Verbatim wording from the response
“I am aware you have also written to the Office for Product Safety and Standards. The safety and enforcement of consumer products, and the role of standards, is part of their remit, and I anticipate they will be best placed to respond to you on this point.”

Source location
Response from Department of Transport
Page 2 · response
Published 28 June 2024
Open published response
4 Jan2024
Inner North London
Concerns raised2
1. Failure to supply chargers with lithium-ion batteries for e-bike conversion kits
2. Insufficient controls governing the UK sale of lithium-ion batteries and chargers for electric powered personal vehicles and e-bike conversion kits
This report raised 4 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Linked response

Office for Product Safety and Standards
Stated actions 1
1. Office for Product Safety and Standards
  Assess compliance among 60 UK-based businesses supplying e-bikes, e-scooters or conversion kits.
AI-generated summary

Bobby LEE otherwise known as Kim Sing Lee · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

Bobby Lee died at home on 6 July 2023 from smoke inhalation and severe burn injuries after a house fire caused by the over-charging of a lithium-ion e-bike battery with an unsuitable charger. The report identifies concerns about the safety and quality of e-bike conversion kits, battery chargers and online marketplace sales, including the absence of sufficient standards and controls and the risk of incompatible chargers causing battery fires and further deaths.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Failure to supply chargers with lithium-ion batteries for e-bike conversion kits
Wider context from the report
“• Lithium-ion batteries sold as part of e-bike conversion kits are regularly sold/supplied without a charger, thereby increasing the risk of an unsuitable charger being purchased and used. ”
Source location
Bobby LEE otherwise known as Kim Sing Lee · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 3 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Insufficient controls governing the UK sale of lithium-ion batteries and chargers for electric powered personal vehicles and e-bike conversion kits
Wider context from the report
“In addition to the above, I am also aware that the OPSS established a multi-disciplinary safety study to understand data and evidence of risks in this area, as well as commissioning new research into battery safety, including compatibility issues, from Warwick Manufacturing Group (part of Warwick University). However, I do not know the progress or timescales involved in this review and research. It is clear to me though that there is a substantial existing, ongoing and future risk of further deaths while it continues to be the case that there are no, or insufficient, controls and/or standards governing the sale in the UK of lithium-ion batteries and chargers for electric powered personal vehicles and e-bike conversion kits. ”
Source location
Bobby LEE otherwise known as Kim Sing Lee · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 4 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Assess compliance among 60 UK-based businesses supplying e-bikes, e-scooters or conversion kits.

Verbatim wording from the response
“OPSS is also assessing the compliance of 60 UK-based businesses involved in the supply chain of e-bikes, e-scooters or conversion kits.”

Source location
Response from Product Safety and Standards
Page 2 · response
Published 8 January 2024
Open published response
29 Aug2023
Inner North London
Concerns raised1
1. Lack of standards controlling the sale of lithium ion e-bike batteries and chargers for safe charging quality
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Linked response

Office for Product Safety and Standards
Stated actions 3
1. Office for Product Safety and Standards
  Prioritise identifying and testing e-bikes, conversion kits and chargers, removing unsafe products from the market through enforcement.
2. Office for Product Safety and Standards
  Publish the updated EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 standard for electrically power-assisted bicycles for designation.
3. Office for Product Safety and Standards
  Review relevant voluntary e-bike safety standards to identify where additional or updated standards would support legal safety requirements.
AI-generated summary

Mizanur RAHMAN · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

Mizanur Rahman died on 9 March 2023 at the Royal London Hospital after being overcome by smoke during a fire at the multi-occupancy flat where he lived. The fire was attributed to a faulty lithium ion e-bike battery, with evidence indicating that the battery and charger probably carried different voltage ratings. The report raised concerns about the absence of British or European standards governing the sale of lithium ion e-bike batteries, chargers and conversion kits, and the resulting risk of further deaths.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Lack of standards controlling the sale of lithium ion e-bike batteries and chargers for safe charging quality
Wider context from the report
“That there is presently no British or European (e.g. BSI or PAS) standard to control what lithium ion e-bike batteries and chargers can be sold in the UK and that, consequently: o It is easy for people to buy (including online) lithium ion batteries that are not of sufficient quality or otherwise not of an appropriate standard to charge safely. o There is an increased risk of people mixing and matching lithium ion batteries with chargers that carry a different voltage rating. ”
Source location
Mizanur RAHMAN · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 2 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Prioritise identifying and testing e-bikes, conversion kits and chargers, removing unsafe products from the market through enforcement.

Verbatim wording from the response
“OPSS and Local Authority Trading Standards (LATS) have access to powers to enforce the law and we are prioritising action to identify and test e-bikes, modification kits and chargers so that products found to be unsafe are removed from the market.”

Source location
Response from Product Safety and Standards
Page 1 · response
Published 7 September 2023
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Publish the updated EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 standard for electrically power-assisted bicycles for designation.

Verbatim wording from the response
“On 20 October OPSS published for designation, updated standard EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 for Electrically Power Assisted Bicycles. The previous version of this standard did not adequately address the safe integration of batteries into battery packs and the incorporation of battery packs into an end-device. As a result, it was designated by government with a restriction that meant that manufacturers had to go beyond the requirements of the standard to comply with the essential safety requirements in the law. Improvements to the standard have been made by the standards bodies and we are satisfied that it now meets the essential safety requirements with regards to battery safety. As a result, we plan to remove the restriction that applied to battery packs so that manufacturers who follow the designated parts of the standard would be presumed to comply with legal requirements for safety.”

Source location
Response from Product Safety and Standards
Page 2 · response
Published 7 September 2023
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Review relevant voluntary e-bike safety standards to identify where additional or updated standards would support legal safety requirements.

Verbatim wording from the response
“I can also confirm that OPSS is reviewing all relevant voluntary standards in this area to identify any areas where additional or updated standards would be beneficial to support the essential safety requirements in the law.”

Source location
Response from Product Safety and Standards
Page 2 · response
Published 7 September 2023
Open published response

Actions and positions describe what organisations say in published responses. Implementation is not independently verified.

Data last updated 7 September 2026

What this concern includes

Trends

Reports mentioning this concern, over time

Concerns raised1

Lack of regulation of lithium-ion battery sales, especially e-bike conversion batteries sold through online marketplaces

Linked response

Stated actions An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.2

Concerns raised1

Lack of British or European standards controlling lithium-ion e-bike batteries and chargers sold in the UK

Linked responses

Stated actions An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.6

Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.4

Concerns raised2

Failure to supply chargers with lithium-ion batteries for e-bike conversion kits

Insufficient controls governing the UK sale of lithium-ion batteries and chargers for electric powered personal vehicles and e-bike conversion kits

Linked response

Stated actions An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1

Concerns raised1

Lack of standards controlling the sale of lithium ion e-bike batteries and chargers for safe charging quality

Linked response

Stated actions An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.3

Stated actions 2

Stated actions 6

Respondent positions 4

Stated actions 1

Stated actions 3