Dangerous e-bike battery sparks Surrey house fire – now banned from Amazon!
Faulty Battery Causes Blaze in Surrey Home
A hazardous Unit Pack Power battery pack for a converted e-bike caused a recent house fire in Surrey while charging. The faulty lithium-ion battery set alight the property, raising fresh alarms about unsafe e-bike batteries flooding online marketplaces without proper safety checks.
Investigation Forces Amazon to Act
Surrey Fire and Rescue’s Fire Investigation team joined forces with Surrey Trading Standards to track down the culprit. Their probe identified the battery as the fire source. Amazon swiftly removed the dangerous product from sale, preventing further risk to the public.
Matt Perry, Fire Investigation Officer at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This fire serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with unsafe e-bike batteries. We are committed to keeping Surrey residents safe, and I’m pleased our partnership with Trading Standards has led to the removal of this hazardous product.”
Shoppers Warned: Beware Cheap, Unbranded Batteries
Consumers are urged to tread carefully when buying batteries and chargers—especially online. Unsafe, unregulated lithium-ion products often bypass UK safety standards, posing a serious fire threat.
Amanda Poole, Assistant Director for Trading Standards at Surrey County Council, warned: “Unsafe lithium-ion batteries pose a serious fire risk. We acted swiftly to get this product off the market. Always buy batteries and chargers that meet UK safety standards and avoid cheap, unbranded items online.”
Surrey Fire Service Launches #BatteryWise Campaign
With fires caused by faulty lithium-ion batteries on the rise—especially in e-bikes and e-scooters—Surrey Fire and Rescue continues to push its #BatteryWise initiative. The campaign provides vital tips for using, storing, and disposing of rechargeable batteries safely.
Top Safety Tips for Consumers
- Buy batteries and chargers only from trusted retailers and manufacturers
- Look for UK safety marks like CE or UKCA
- Never charge batteries unattended or overnight
- Reject batteries that are swollen, damaged, or unbranded
- Store batteries in cool, dry places away from flammable materials
For all the latest on fire safety and to protect your home, visit the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service’s #BatteryWise campaign page.
Keep up with the latest safety warnings and community news at The Sentinel Current.
