E-bike safety joint action day

Brighton & Hove City Council will be joining forces with Sussex Police and the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) this week to warn people of the dangers posed by illegal e-bikes.

In the run-up to the festive season, all three organisations will be gathering outside St Peter’s Church, Brighton, on Thursday 13 November, between 11am and 2pm, to talk to people about e-bike safety and the risks of high-powered models and modifications.

Road-legal e-bikes are an active and sustainable way of getting around. They can reduce journey times and lower travel costs, but it’s important to choose an e-bike that’s safe and legal.

Council road safety officers will be talking about the positives of e-bike use and highlighting the dangers posed to riders and pedestrians by illegal, high-powered models. They will also be engaging with delivery drivers about their use of e-bikes around the city.

Trading Standards officers will also be visiting retailers this week to ensure that all e-bikes sold and modifications carried out are safe and legal.

The ESFRS team will be speaking to riders about safe charging and storage practices, and also underlying the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries that are common in e-bikes. The Sussex Police Road Safety Team will also be on hand with information and guidance.

It’s hoped that their advice will encourage people to think carefully before buying an e-bike as a gift for loved ones this Christmas, and to ensure they only buy a legal model from a reputable retailer.

Partnership working

Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure, said: “Road-legal e-bikes are great for getting around the city quickly and affordably, but we know from listening to residents that the dangers posed by illegal e-bikes is something they’re very concerned about.

“Riders need to understand that high-powered, illegal models are a risk not only to themselves but also to pedestrians and other road users.

“I hope people will go along and speak with our partners at Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, as well as our Trading Standards team about the benefits of safe and responsible e-bike use before considering buying one this Christmas.

ESFRS Station Manager Derek Hamilton said: “E-bikes can pose a serious fire risk if not used safely. Through supporting this collaborative event, we aim to raise awareness of the safe storage and charging of e-bikes and their batteries, to help keep our communities safe.

“Always buy from trusted retailers, never charge them unattended or when you sleep. If you have to keep them indoors, make sure you store them away from escape routes and always have working smoke alarms on every level of your home. Visit our website for more advice to help keep yourselves and others safe.”

Sussex Police Road Safety Manager Mark Baker said: “We recognise the importance of e-mobility within the city; however, we want to ensure that people are aware of the laws around all modes of transport when making their journey.

“E-bikes are legal to use on public roads, cycle paths and designated areas if they meet the requirements of an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC). The bike must have pedals that can be used to propel it, have a motor with a maximum power output of 250 watts and not support the rider travelling over 15.5mph. E-bikes must not be started without pedalling as they must behave like traditional pedal-powered bikes.

“Riding an e-bike that does not meet EAPC standard without registration or insurance can result in a fine, penalty points on your driving license and the bike being seized.

“Working in collaboration with colleagues from Brighton & Hove City Council and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service on engagements of this nature further enables us to deliver these focused educational road safety interventions.”