Sales for e-mobility devices in the UK have been steadily increasing in recent years. Though still some way behind our European counterparts, annual sales for e-bikes in 2022 rose to around 165,000, accounting for close to ⅓ of all bike purchases across the market. In contrast to e-bikes, e-scooters fall into something of a regulatory vacuum, and, under the Road Traffic Act 1988, they are classed as motor vehicles. However, they currently don’t meet regulatory requirements, and despite being banned from use on public roads, it’s estimated that there are still more than 750,000 privately owned e-scooters in the country.
The increase in popularity of e-mobility devices has been put down to an increased awareness of their benefits as a means of convenient and sustainable travel, particularly in urban areas, and a wider range of options on the market. Public enthusiasm for e-mobility has, however, brought to the light the risk factors involved. There remains a lack of distinction over what constitutes a “bad” or “good” e-bike or e-scooter in terms of build quality, and this has caused unsafe components to enter the market that breach safety standards, endangering the user.
What Are the Benefits?
- In contrast to cars and other vehicles that rely on fossil fuels, e-mobility devices do not emit any greenhouse gases and make virtually no noise, meaning they don’t contribute towards greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution. As a significantly more sustainable mode of travel, they can ultimately be considered a crucial aspect of the net-zero transition.
- Despite being fairly costly investments, e-mobility devices offer high affordability of travel, and are significantly more cost-effective to run, with the requirement to recharge a device far cheaper than using any type of fuel. Eliminating requirements for internal combustion systems also means fewer mechanical breakdowns, reducing maintenance costs. Replacing damaged or broken components is also invariably more cost-effective.
- Offering convenience of travel, e-mobility devices are ideal for on-the-go users and highly effective in built up urban areas as they aren’t necessarily hindered by congestion and they reduce terrain barriers, allowing users to arrive at their destinations without much exertion. In New York City, e-mobility devices see widespread use by food delivery personnel as a means of navigation.
What Are the Risk Factors?
- From the beginning of 2022 to May 2023, UK Fire and Rescue Services responded to 329 battery fires associated specifically with e-bikes and e-scooters. Their rise in popularity has ultimately coincided with an alarming escalation in fire incidents. These are more specifically centred around lithium-ion batteries and poor storage and charging practice, rather than of the devices themselves.
- Lithium-ion batteries are typically safe to use when supplied by reputable manufacturers and safely operated, however, they are very sensitive and flammable on the inside. Poor quality batteries can be very susceptible to pressure and overheating, potentially leading to a rapid, uncontrolled release of heat energy known as ‘thermal runaway’ when the battery begins to fail.
- In high-density residential settings and communal buildings, the effects of this can be disastrous, endangering resident and building safety. The London Fire Brigade advises that e-mobility devices shouldn’t be stored internally, and the batteries monitored at all times when charging. However, a lack of access to safe and secure external alternatives for storage and charging means that individuals can be encouraged to store their device inside, potentially compromising fire safety escape routes.
Safe Storage Solutions
metroSTOR has compiled 9 simple safety steps for the storage and charging of e-mobility devices. Inspired by advice gathered from the LFB as part of their #ChargeSafe Campaign, these help prevent the risks of lithium-battery fires, aiming to provide awareness of safe practices and call attention to the safety and fire risks involved.
In response to the growth in popularity of e-mobility devices and the alarming rise in fire incidents, metroSTOR has developed a range of secure external storage and charging facilities for e-mobility devices that are designed to be installed externally to ensure a safe containment away from residential properties, offering a fully enclosed unit to ensure complete weather protection for the devices stored inside.
From single locker format to communal hub buildings, the metroSTOR modular system accommodates the increasing demand for e-mobility devices by enabling additional capacity to be integrated in the event that further storage space is required. All units are customisable for fire-resistant enclosure specification, to ensure effective, proven containment in the unfortunate event of a fire, as well as energy consumption metering, and access control.
