We are reminding customers about the dangers of buying cheap lithium batteries online and converting bicycles into e-bikes following a warning issued by the London Fire Brigade.
Conversion kits allow people to add an electric motor to their bicycle, but some are sold without a battery which must then be purchased separately.
However, the fire brigade is warning that cheaper batteries purchased from online sources may not adhere to UK safety regulations and are more likely to fail and catch fire.
Also buying batteries second hand means you may be buying a battery that is already damaged and a fire risk.
The fire brigade explains that DIY installations can also damage the kit, increasing the chances of a fire.
The brigade recommends that if you are planning to convert your bicycle to an e-bike, you get a professional to carry out the conversion.
And always make sure you are buying your batteries from a reputable seller and that they aren’t second hand.
London Fire Brigade reports that there have been 48 e-bike fires and 12 e-scooter fires in the capital so far this year. Read more here.