eBay to Restrict E-Bike Sales Amid Growing Safety Concerns

London – Starting soon, only “eligible business sellers” will be allowed to list e-bikes on eBay, though the platform has not yet specified the criteria for eligibility. The decision comes as e-bikes, which use battery-powered pedals, have gained widespread popularity. However, this surge in usage has been accompanied by a concerning rise in battery-related fires.

The London Fire Brigade recorded 155 e-bike fires in 2023, marking a 78% increase compared to the previous year. UK safety regulators have since classified e-bike battery packs as “dangerous” products, heightening scrutiny of the devices. The safety risks became more pronounced following a June incident in which a coroner urged government action after an overheating e-bike battery caused a fatal fire.

eBay, aiming to address these concerns, has introduced stricter measures for e-bike listings. “Consumer safety is a top priority for eBay,” said a company spokesperson. Earlier this year, eBay also began auditing sellers to ensure that products meet CE safety certification standards, a requirement in Europe to guarantee products conform to health, safety, and environmental protection standards.

The platform’s move has been welcomed by safety advocates. UK-based charity Electrical Safety First praised eBay’s actions but called for broader regulatory oversight of online marketplaces. “Whilst this voluntary move is welcome, we continue to call for online marketplaces to be legally obligated to take reasonable steps to ensure products sold via their sites are safe,” a spokesperson for the charity said.

In response to growing concerns over e-bike safety, the UK government is advancing the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill through Parliament. If passed, the bill could legally bind online marketplaces to take stronger steps in ensuring that all products sold meet rigorous safety standards, providing an additional layer of protection against unsafe e-bike batteries.

The tightening of regulations comes amid growing public awareness of the dangers posed by faulty battery packs. Safety authorities and industry experts have raised alarms about the potential for fires caused by overheating e-bike batteries, urging both manufacturers and online retailers to take more responsibility for the products they sell.

As e-bike use continues to rise, both industry stakeholders and regulators are working to strike a balance between encouraging sustainable transport options and ensuring consumer safety. The new measures by eBay mark a significant step toward addressing these concerns, though many believe stronger legal frameworks are still needed.