Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
There have been 170 recorded incidents of e-bike fires in London, posing significant safety risks. The current product safety laws mandate the supply of safe consumer products, including e-bike batteries.
I am concerned about the dangers posed by unsafe e-bike batteries and the fact that people often buy these batteries from non-regulated suppliers to upgrade bikes and extend their range. How can the Department work with other parts of Government to regulate illegal sales?
I would be happy to work with my hon. Friend and across Government on this important issue for her constituents, as she knows how vital consumer safety is for e-bike users. The Office for Product Safety and Standards has powers to remove unsafe products from the UK market and has taken action to prevent dangerous models of UPP brand e-bike batteries from being sold.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific details on how the Department will work with other parts of Government to regulate illegal sales.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
E-bike users face risks from overcharging, overheating, and short-circuiting of batteries.
Will the Minister consider introducing minimum design and safety standards for e-bike batteries to reduce the risk of overcharging, overheating, and short-circuiting?
Our product safety laws require products supplied in the UK to be safe, whether they are sold online or on the high street. The Product Regulation and Metrology Act received Royal Assent earlier this year, giving us powers to update product safety laws where necessary to adapt to new technologies and emerging product risks.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a direct commitment to introduce minimum design and safety standards for e-bike batteries.
Response accuracy