The popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters is increasing but there are some restrictions to be aware of before riding them. Users of e-bikes and e-scooters also need to be mindful of the safety concerns associated with charging, storing and disposing of them with advice outlined below.

Riding

If an e-bike meets the electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs) criteria it’s classed as a normal pedal bike which means you can ride it on cycle paths and anywhere else pedal bikes are allowed. The key EAPC criteria are:

• It must have pedals that can be used to propel it
• It must have a maximum power output of 250 watts
• It should not be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph
• The rider must be 14 years or over

See Electric bikes: licensing, tax and insurance for more details. Any electric bike that does not meet the EAPC rules is classed as a motorcycle or moped and needs to be registered and taxed. Riders also require a driving licence to ride one, must wear a crash helmet and it is illegal to ride vehicles on public land without them.

Electrical scooters (e-scooters) are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988 which means the rules that apply to motor vehicles, also apply to e-scooters, including the need to have a licence and insurance. It’s not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters which means it’s illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces, such as parks. If you use a privately-owned e-scooter in public, you could face a fine, you could get penalty points on your licence or the vehicle being seized by the Police. If you own an e-scooter you can only use it on private land, but you must have the permission of the landowner to do so.

You can rent e-scooters in some parts of the UK through the government’s e-scooter rental trials. To use a rental e-scooter in an approved trial area you must:

• Hold the correct driving licence
• Have insurance (this is provided by the e-scooter rental company when you hire it)
• Meet the minimum age requirement
• You may use a trial e-scooter on the road (except motorways) and in cycle lanes. You must not use an e-scooter on the pavement.
• You should wear a cycle helmet when using an e-scooter. Helmets are recommended but are not a legal requirement.

For more information on riding e-scooters visit E-scooter trials: guidance for users. Find details on Nottingham’s e-scooter rental trial here.

Buying

It is important to buy e-bikes, e-scooters, chargers and batteries from reputable retailers.

The dangers of counterfeit electrical goods:

• Many fires involve counterfeit electrical goods and items that do not meet British or European standards pose a huge fire risk.
• Please remember – while genuine chargers (or battery packs) may cost more, it’s not worth putting your life at risk and potentially destroying your home by buying a fake charger to save a few pounds.

Buying an e-bike conversion kit:

• Always purchase from a reputable seller.
• Check that it complies with British or European standards.
• Take particular care if buying from online auction or fulfilment platforms.
• Be aware that if buying separate components, you should check that they are compatible.
• 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.

For more advice on buying an e-bike or e-scooter, looking after it and making changes to it, visit the government website.

Charging

Lithium-ion batteries are used to power most e-bikes and e-scooters and there is a fire safety concern associated with charging, storing and disposing of them.

If batteries are not charged correctly or safely, then on occasion batteries can fail catastrophically, or can ‘explode’ and/or lead to a rapidly developing fire that can give off toxic gases and large amounts of smoke with very little prior warning. It is therefore important when charging and storing e-bikes and e-scooters, you do so safely to avoid a risk of a fire starting and putting your families and homes at risk. By following some simple guidelines, which you’ll find below, you can help to reduce the risk of fire:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging and always unplug your charger when it’s finished charging.
• Ensure you have working smoke alarms. If you charge or store your e-bike or e-scooter in a garage or kitchen ensure you install detection, heat alarms rather than smoke detectors are recommended for these areas.
• Charge batteries when you are awake and alert, so you can respond quickly if there is a fire. Do not charge them when you are asleep or away from home.
• Avoid storing or charging e-bikes and e-scooters on escape routes or in communal areas of a multi occupied building. If there’s a fire, it can affect people’s ability to escape.
• Never overcharge your battery – check the manufacturer’s instructions for charge times.
• Do not cover chargers or battery packs when charging as this could lead to overheating or even a fire.
• Do not charge batteries or store your e-bike or e-scooter near combustible or flammable materials.

When charging, using sockets and extension leads:

• Never overload plug sockets or use inappropriate extension leads.
• Make sure extensions are un-coiled and the lead is suitably rated for what you are plugging in to it.

In the event of an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire – do not attempt to extinguish the fire. Get out, stay out and call 999.

Battery Disposal

Lithium-ion batteries are also one of the main causes of waste fires, and can be extremely dangerous when thrown away with general rubbish, or mixed with other recycling waste. Do not put batteries into your general or recycled waste bins. Old batteries can be taken to Redfield Road Recycling Centre to be recycled, collected via the council’s ‘Batteries In A Bag’ scheme or dropped off at battery banks or some small electrical item recycling points. More information on recycling batteries can be found at Recycling in Nottingham.