Agenda item
Motion A: Safety of lithium batteries in e-scooters and e-bikes & their disposal
Proposer: Councillor Nikki Ind
Seconder: Councillor Mike McKeown
Whilst Full Council recognises the significant environmental benefits of electric-powered micromobility vehicles, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, in reducing CO2 emissions—particularly as transport remains the largest source of CO2 in the Cotswolds—we believe it is essential to address the growing safety concerns surrounding lithium batteries. By supporting the Safety of Electric-Powered Micromobility Vehicles and Lithium Batteries Bill, we aim to ensure that safety standards keep pace with the increasing use of these vehicles, allowing us to continue promoting low-carbon transport solutions while protecting public safety.”
Whilst we have been lucky so far in the Cotswolds, lithium battery fires are on the increase – there have been over 1000 in the past few years, nearly 200 injuries, and over a dozen fatalities and the cost to the UK runs into £billions.
It is important to clarify that the safety concerns raised in this motion are specifically related to lithium batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters, where the higher risk of fire incidents is largely due to poor quality standards and substandard components. This motion seeks to address those issues by advocating for stronger safety regulations, rather than any intrinsic problems with the technology itself. It is also important to note that there are no significant safety concerns with electric vehicle (EV) car batteries, which undergo stringent testing and have a lower fire risk compared to petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles. By improving standards for micromobility batteries, we can support safer, sustainable transport options without undermining the broader transition to electric vehicles.”
Electrical Safety First, with cross-party support, is promoting the Safety of Electric-Powered Micromobility Vehicles and Lithium Batteries Bill. A Bill to make provisions regarding the safety of electric-powered micromobility vehicles and of lithium batteries and to ensure greater safety in the use and disposal of lithium batteries. The proposed legislation covers:
• Safety Assurance – this clause mandates a third-party safety assessment, conducted by a government-approved body, for all e-bikes, e-scooters, and their lithium-ion batteries before they enter the UK market. This process mirrors safety measures in place for other high-risk products like fireworks and heavy machinery
• Responsible Disposal – this clause requires the Government to make regulations ensuring the safe disposal of lithium batteries once their lifecycle ends.
• Comprehensive Fire Safety – this clause assigns the Government the responsibility of comprehensively addressing fire-related concerns – involving enhancing safe usage, charging and storage practices for these devices. It includes setting standards for conversion kits and charging systems and considering a temporary ban on the sale of universal chargers that heighten fire risks.
Electrical Safety First has the support of many national organisations, including the National Fire Chiefs Council, local Fire and Rescue Services, insurance companies and various organisations who have issued warnings regarding the lithium-ion battery situation.
Full Council notes that:
• Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in e-scooters and e-bikes have multiplied fourfold since 2020
• The UK is now facing a projection of nearly one e-bike or e-scooter fire per day this year, a significant leap from just over one per week in 2020
• This issue is widespread across the UK – in the last 18 months, battery fires in over 150 UK parliamentary constituencies have occurred
Full Council therefore resolves to:
1. Support the Safety of Electric-Powered Micromobility Vehicles and Lithium Batteries Bill;
2. Request that the Leader of the Council writes to MP’s Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown and Roz Savage to provide notice that the motion has been passed - request that the Safety of Electric-Powered Micromobility Vehicles and Lithium Batteries Bill is supported in Parliament;
3. Request that the Leader of the Council writes to the organisers of the cross-party campaign for the Bill, expressing our support (electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk).
Minutes:
The Chair Councillor Nikki Ind introduced the motion as the proposer, and made the following points:
- There has been an increase in e-scooters and e-bikes and safety standards for their batteries needed to keep pace.
- The fires that had taken place from these batteries had the potential to cause significant damage to property and potentially cause a loss of life.
- The request of the motion was to ask that the Council publicly supported the Support the Safety of Electric-Powered Micromobility Vehicles and Lithium Batteries Bill, and asked both of the District’s MPs to support it in Parliament.
Council noted that e-scooters and e-bikes were also a danger due their higher speed which may cause more accidents.
Council noted that the fires from lithium batteries were much more difficult to extinguish than normal fires.
It was highlighted that e-scooters were generally illegal and the police had a responsibility to enforce the current legislation around these motorised vehicles.
Councillor Mike McKeown then spoke as the seconder of the motion and made the following points:
- Transport in the Cotswolds was one the biggest sources of emissions of carbon dioxide and these vehicles had an important role in expanding active travel options.
- Many of the issues around e-bikes and e-scooter batteries were from the regulations around standards of batteries available compared to those of electric cars.
- This motion was regarding supporting the efforts to fill the gap in the regulations that currently exist for e-scooter and e-bikes specifically.