August 9, 2024: A ‘Product Safety and Metrology Bill’ has been announced as part of the new Labour government’s legislative priorities during the King’s Speech on July 17.

King Charles III set out the government’s policy and legislative agenda for the new parliamentary session at the state opening of parliament, revealing that the bill would address challenges such as fire risks associated with e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries.

He said it would also give the government powers to ensure a continued supply of safe goods into the UK market and provide more regulatory stability and protection for consumers.

Since 2020, there have been over 190 injuries and at least 13 deaths in lithium-ion battery fires in the UK as well as nearly one e-bike or e-scooter fire per day.

A government briefing document said there was a 78% increase in e-bike fires in the UK in 2023 compared to 2022, citing the London Fire Brigade.

Electrical Safety First, a UK charity has been calling for a safety bill so that all e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries gain third-party approval before entering the UK market.

Wayne Mackay, head of public affairs at Electrical Safety First, said: “This government now has a golden opportunity to turn the tide by introducing third-party certification for e-bike batteries, bringing them in line with other high-risk products already subject to extra safety rules.”

The same regulations already exist for other high-risk products, such as fireworks and heavy machinery.

The battery safety bill also aims to address the critical issue of energy storage systems powered by lithium-ion batteries. However, with the growing deployment of these systems comes a pressing need for enhanced safety measures to protect households and communities from potential dangers.