A UK-based cross-industry campaign was recently launched. Industry trade associations, e-bike brands, local bike stores, and national charities have joined forces to launch the “e-bike positive” campaign, which is expected to “increase knowledge of electric bike battery safety, inform more people about the benefits of e-cycling, and help consumers buy with confidence . and to help consumers buy with confidence.”

The campaign will also be rolled out to the government, with the aim of advising the government on how to better protect UK consumers and businesses. e-bike positive's ultimate goal is to increase consumer confidence when purchasing an e-bike. This is in light of recent research by the Electric Bike Alliance that concerns about e-bike battery ignition are keeping e-bike users from traveling by e-bike.

The survey also found that 23% of UK adults are hesitant to purchase an e-bike as a result of recent news details of battery fire incidents. Additionally, 25% of those surveyed admitted to being concerned about the safety of batteries charging nearby.

The campaign believes that the recent spate of reported e-bike fires is largely due to “faulty, low-quality - and therefore high-risk - products such as aftermarket lithium-ion batteries, chargers, and conversion kits from disreputable sources, international online retailers, and resellers. Therefore, high-risk - products,” he is quick to emphasize.

Sarah McMonigle, Cycling UK's director of external relations, says: “Like traditional pedal cycles, e-cycles improve physical and mental health, improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions. It's a great option for cyclists in hilly areas, those who have mobility challenges, carry children or groceries, or simply don't want to break a sweat on their commute.

“E-cycles are extremely safe when purchased from a trusted manufacturer. That's why we are supporting this education campaign alongside Cycling UK's ongoing calls for the UK government to make e-cycling more accessible.”

The aim of the campaign is to educate consumers on what to look out for when buying an e-bike in order to increase safety and reliability. To do this effectively, the campaign adopts a three-pronged approach:

From the information collected, it appears that clearer and more easily accessible e-bike educational materials are the best way to encourage more people to use e-bikes. Sixty-four percent of UK adults surveyed claimed that improved e-bike education would reduce concerns about e-bike use.

Jonathan Harrison, director of the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT), said: “E-bikes are a great solution to modern transportation for almost everyone. They encourage a more active lifestyle and allow cycling with friends and family of varying abilities. The growing popularity of electric bicycles underscores the importance of helping consumers distinguish between high-quality, reliable e-bike products and substandard or potentially dangerous products, such as aftermarket lithium-ion batteries, chargers, and conversion kits from unreliable sellers The report states.

For more information on the campaign, including participating retailers, visit the e-bike positive website.