You must stop using or charging your battery immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Overheating: If your device’s battery feels extremely hot to the touch
• Deformation: If your battery looks swollen. Similar signs include any type of lump or leaking from the device.
• Noise: If your battery is making hissing or cracking sounds.
• Smell: If you notice a strong or unusual smell coming from the battery
• Performance: If your battery does not fully charge or is taking longer to charge than normal
• Smoke: If your battery or device is smoking

Maintaining your e-bike or e-scooter

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using your product.
• Always use the manufacturer-approved battery and charger.
• If you need a replacement battery or charger for your e-bike or e-scooter go directly back to the manufacturer or retailer you bought it from to ensure it’s safe.
• Regularly inspect your product and check for damage or warning signs that your battery might be failing and becoming a fire risk.
• Don’t attempt to modify or tamper with your battery.

Buying e-bikes and e-scooters

• Only buy e-bikes, e-scooters, chargers and batteries from reputable retailers and manufacturers.
• Check the product is marked with a CE or UKCA mark to ensure they comply with UK product safety standards.
• Check product reviews before buying
• Register your product with the manufacturer to validate any warranties and make it easier for manufacturers to contact you in the event of a safety issue e.g. product recall.
• Check if products have been recalled by visiting the government Product Recalls and Alerts website

In the UK only e-scooters participating in official rental e-scooter trials may be used legally on roads. Other e-scooters are classed as Powered Transporters and cannot be used legally on the road. If you use an e-scooter illegally, you could face a fine and penalty points on your licence, and the e-scooter could be impounded.

E-Bike conversion kits

• Conversion kits change standard bicycles into e-bikes.
• It is recommended that a professional carries out an e-bike conversion. They will be responsible for ensuring that the e-bike is safe and fitted with the correct motor, battery and charger.
• Installing a conversion kit yourself could lead to safety issues with your e-bike and increase the risk of fire.
• Furthermore, it could invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty and make you responsible for any consequent damage or accident. If you modify an e-bike to increase its power or speed then it may no longer be legal to use on public roads.