PFD report

Luke Marshall ALBISTON O'DONNELL · Prevention of Future Deaths report

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Issued 9 Dec 2024•Liverpool and the Wirral

Report record

Published report and response evidence

This page connects the concerns raised in this report with statements found in recipients’ published responses. A link shows a clear evidence connection; it does not assign responsibility.

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Concerns
2

Raised in this report

Recipients
3

Named on the report

Responses found
2

Of 3 recipients

Stated actions
15

Described in responses

Recipients and published responses

Source document

Full report text

This is the full text from the original published report.

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Concerns and recipient responses

Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

Concerns raised2

  1. Lack of public awareness of life-threatening risks from storing lithium iron battery appliances in domestic properties
    Part of recurring concern: Inadequate public warnings about domestic e-bike battery fire risks
  2. Lack of communication and media coverage about the dangers of storing electronic bikes and scooters in domestic properties
Responses linked to these concerns

Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.

Actions described in response An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.5

  1. Action

    Reflect on national Home Safety Fire Prevention guidance and develop campaign resources addressing e-bike and e-scooter risks.

    Stated by National Fire Chiefs CouncilStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 10 December 2024.
  2. Action

    Research e-bike and e-scooter fire risks with the ACER Group and international partners to identify existing evidence and knowledge gaps.

    Stated by National Fire Chiefs CouncilStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 10 December 2024.
  3. Action

    Inform all Chief Fire Officers about relevant incidents and existing resources, and request their support to raise awareness.

    Stated by National Fire Chiefs CouncilStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 10 December 2024.

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Lack of public awareness of life-threatening risks from storing lithium iron battery appliances in domestic properties

Wider context from the report

“The general public do not appreciate the life-threatening risks involved with having lithium iron batteries, from electronic bikes in this case, stored in domestic properties. There appears to be a lack of communication/media coverage about the dangers involved with storing appliances such as electronic bikes/scooters in domestic properties. There have already been 3 deaths associated with lithium batteries in the home in Merseyside and we have been informed there a number of similar fatalities across England. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

Yes — Inadequate public warnings about domestic e-bike battery fire risks.

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Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Lack of communication and media coverage about the dangers of storing electronic bikes and scooters in domestic properties

Wider context from the report

“The general public do not appreciate the life-threatening risks involved with having lithium iron batteries, from electronic bikes in this case, stored in domestic properties. There appears to be a lack of communication/media coverage about the dangers involved with storing appliances such as electronic bikes/scooters in domestic properties. There have already been 3 deaths associated with lithium batteries in the home in Merseyside and we have been informed there a number of similar fatalities across England. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

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

Reflect on national Home Safety Fire Prevention guidance and develop campaign resources addressing e-bike and e-scooter risks.

Verbatim wording from the response

“In doing this, we will not only be able to share key learning points with UK fire and rescue services, but we will also be able to reflect on national Home Safety Fire Prevention guidance and develop our campaign resources. This will ensure that those who own or operate e-bikes or e-scooters are enabled to understand the risks and prevent similar incidents from occurring in their homes.”

Source location

Response from NFCC
Page 2 · response
Published 10 December 2024

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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

Research e-bike and e-scooter fire risks with the ACER Group and international partners to identify existing evidence and knowledge gaps.

Verbatim wording from the response

“As with all prevention activity, we recognise the significant challenge that fire and rescue services have in identifying and delivering behaviour changing interventions to individuals at risk. The growing market for e-bikes and e-scooters means that fire and rescue services are having to focus more resources to understand the demographics and behaviours of individuals that may be prone to these types of fires. To help fire and rescue services with this, we are looking to gain further understanding of the issues through more research. This includes working with our Academic Collaboration, Evaluation and Research (ACER)”

Source location

Response from NFCC
Page 1 · response
Published 10 December 2024

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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

Inform all Chief Fire Officers about relevant incidents and existing resources, and request their support to raise awareness.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Finally, I have taken the immediate step of writing to all Chief Fire Officers specifically to inform them of this and other incidents of this type, providing details of existing resources and the intentions of NFCC to explore further learning and resources. I have also requested their support to raise awareness.”

Source location

Response from NFCC
Page 2 · response
Published 10 December 2024

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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

Operate the Charge Safe campaign providing e-bike and e-scooter charging advice and battery fire-hazard warnings.

Verbatim wording from the response

“We recognise the seriousness and devastating impact that fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in electric scooters can cause to families across the UK and note the increasing occurrences of these types of incidents. We are committed to supporting the sector in delivering impactful prevention campaigns and initiatives. This includes our Charge Safe - NFCC campaign which sets out public advice for charging e-bikes and e-scooters as well as providing warning signs that a battery could be a fire hazard.”

Source location

Response from NFCC
Page 1 · response
Published 10 December 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 raising awareness of unsafe e-bike, e-scooter and lithium-ion battery risks through stakeholder networks and communication channels.

Verbatim wording from the response

“OPSS is currently working with other Government departments, as well as external stakeholders including Electrical Safety First, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, local authorities, fire and rescue services and retailers to amplify these important safety messages through their networks and communication channels.”

Source location

Response from OPSS
Page 1 · response
Published 10 December 2024

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Other statements in published responses

These actions and other statements could not be clearly connected to one concern in this report.

Recipient-stated actions An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.10

  1. 1

    Share key learning from the incident with UK fire and rescue services.

    Stated by National Fire Chiefs CouncilStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 10 December 2024.
  2. 2

    Provide fire and rescue services with recycling campaign resources and links for electrical equipment disposal and donation.

    Stated by National Fire Chiefs CouncilStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 10 December 2024.
  3. 3

    Support and signpost fire and rescue services to government Buy Safe, Be Safe guidance on purchasing and maintaining e-bikes and e-scooters.

    Stated by National Fire Chiefs CouncilStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 10 December 2024.
  4. 4

    Continue advocating for stronger product safety standards, third-party certification testing and mandatory online marketplace regulations for micromobility products.

    Stated by National Fire Chiefs CouncilStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 10 December 2024.
  5. 5

    Process learning from the incident through NFCC organisational learning arrangements with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.

    Stated by National Fire Chiefs CouncilStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 10 December 2024.
  6. 6

    Assess additional steps to build on battery-safety research findings and improve product safety further.

    Stated by Office for Product Safety and StandardsStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 10 December 2024.
  7. 7

    Commission and publish independent research into lithium-ion battery safety, including failure mechanisms, product inspections and laboratory testing.

    Stated by Office for Product Safety and StandardsStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 10 December 2024.
  8. 8

    Enforce product-safety requirements by removing unsafe e-bike batteries from sale.

    Stated by Office for Product Safety and StandardsStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 10 December 2024.
  9. 9

    Publish product recalls and notifications for unsafe or non-compliant e-bikes, e-scooters and batteries, with safety advice for consumers, retailers and local authorities.

    Stated by Office for Product Safety and StandardsStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 10 December 2024.
  10. 10

    Develop a Publicly Available Specification for lithium-ion battery systems used with e-bikes, conversion kits and similar products.

    Stated by Office for Product Safety and StandardsStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 10 December 2024.

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

Share key learning from the incident with UK fire and rescue services.

Verbatim wording from the response

“In doing this, we will not only be able to share key learning points with UK fire and rescue services, but we will also be able to reflect on national Home Safety Fire Prevention guidance and develop our campaign resources. This will ensure that those who own or operate e-bikes or e-scooters are enabled to understand the risks and prevent similar incidents from occurring in their homes.”

Source location

Response from NFCC
Page 2 · response
Published 10 December 2024

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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

Provide fire and rescue services with recycling campaign resources and links for electrical equipment disposal and donation.

Verbatim wording from the response

“We also have campaign resources available for fire and rescue services on Recycle your electricals - NFCC. This includes links to Electrical recycling - Where to recycle & donate.”

Source location

Response from NFCC
Page 1 · response
Published 10 December 2024

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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

Support and signpost fire and rescue services to government Buy Safe, Be Safe guidance on purchasing and maintaining e-bikes and e-scooters.

Verbatim wording from the response

“In addition to this, we support and signpost fire and rescue services to the Office for Product Safety and Standards guidance on Buy Safe, Be Safe: avoid e-bike and e-scooter fires - GOV.UK. This campaign provides resources that gives consumers advice about what to look for when purchasing an e-bike or e-scooter as well as advice about maintenance across the equipment’s life cycle.”

Source location

Response from NFCC
Page 1 · response
Published 10 December 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 advocating for stronger product safety standards, third-party certification testing and mandatory online marketplace regulations for micromobility products.

Verbatim wording from the response

“As the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill progresses through Parliament, NFCC will continue to advocate for stronger product safety rules to ensure that there are robust product standards and third-party certification testing requirements in place or e-bikes, e-scooters, chargers and batteries and e-bike conversion kits. Additionally, NFCC will advocate for the introduction of enforceable, mandatory online marketplace regulations to ensure that all e-bikes, e-scooters and related batteries, chargers and conversion kits sold in the UK, whether sold physically or via online platforms, meet UK designated standards.”

Source location

Response from NFCC
Page 2 · response
Published 10 December 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

Process learning from the incident through NFCC organisational learning arrangements with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Following the tragic death of Luke, we have been in liaison with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service to ensure that all learning captured from the incident is processed through our NFCC Organisational Learning arrangements.”

Source location

Response from NFCC
Page 2 · response
Published 10 December 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

Assess additional steps to build on battery-safety research findings and improve product safety further.

Verbatim wording from the response

“OPSS is continuing to prioritise work to raise public awareness and improve the safety of e-bikes, e-scooters and lithium-ion batteries. I believe the actions we have already taken through the Buy Safe Be Safe campaign, the new statutory guidelines and enforcement action are making a material difference to consumer safety in this area that can help to prevent tragic fatalities like Luke’s in the future. We are currently assessing what additional steps we can take to build on the WMG findings to improve safety even further.”

Source location

Response from OPSS
Page 3 · response
Published 10 December 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 and publish independent research into lithium-ion battery safety, including failure mechanisms, product inspections and laboratory testing.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Alongside this, our programme of work focuses on understanding, identifying and acting to remove unsafe e-bikes, e-scooters or lithium-ion batteries from the market. In January, OPSS published independent research commissioned from Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) into the safety of lithium-ion batteries commonly used in e-bikes and e-scooters. The research includes technical analysis of battery safety, product inspections and laboratory testing. It takes forward our understanding of how battery failures occur during real-world use and environments, and the types of processes and materials used in product manufacture that achieve safer design and safer use of lithium-ion batteries. We are carefully considering its findings and a summary of our recent regulatory activity on this subject is set out on gov.uk.”

Source location

Response from OPSS
Page 2 · response
Published 10 December 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

Enforce product-safety requirements by removing unsafe e-bike batteries from sale.

Verbatim wording from the response

“OPSS is actively enforcing these requirements and last year took enforcement action to remove from sale unsafe models of Unit Power Pack (UPP)-branded e-bike batteries, that have been linked to several serious fires in the UK. We have also published a further 21 product recalls and 29 other product notifications about unsafe or non-compliant e-bikes, e-scooters or their batteries which contain advice for consumers, retailers and local authorities on actions they should take to protect people from harm.”

Source location

Response from OPSS
Page 3 · response
Published 10 December 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

Publish product recalls and notifications for unsafe or non-compliant e-bikes, e-scooters and batteries, with safety advice for consumers, retailers and local authorities.

Verbatim wording from the response

“OPSS is actively enforcing these requirements and last year took enforcement action to remove from sale unsafe models of Unit Power Pack (UPP)-branded e-bike batteries, that have been linked to several serious fires in the UK. We have also published a further 21 product recalls and 29 other product notifications about unsafe or non-compliant e-bikes, e-scooters or their batteries which contain advice for consumers, retailers and local authorities on actions they should take to protect people from harm.”

Source location

Response from OPSS
Page 3 · response
Published 10 December 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

Develop a Publicly Available Specification for lithium-ion battery systems used with e-bikes, conversion kits and similar products.

Verbatim wording from the response

“OPSS has already commissioned the British Standards Institution (BSI) to develop a Publicly Available Specification (PAS) for lithium-ion battery systems for e-bikes, conversion kits and other similar products. Businesses can use a PAS, which is a type of voluntary product standard, to demonstrate their compliance with product safety regulations. The development of the PAS will be led by a technical expert steering group, including representatives from industry and academia as well as OPSS and BSI.”

Source location

Response from OPSS
Page 2 · response
Published 10 December 2024

Open published response
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Information checked against the published report and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations

Data last updated 7 September 2026