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The Independent
15-06-2025
- The Independent
E-bikes and e-scooters fire warning after record number of blazes and eight deaths
E-bike and e-scooter fires soared to a record high last year as fire experts warned of the 'incredible danger' posed by some of the increasingly popular vehicles. Firefighters were called to 211 incidents involving the devices last year, according to data from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). The figures are voluntary for fire authorities to report and show an incomplete picture across the country, but they illustrate a rise in call-outs, with 207 reported in 2023, and just 26 in 2020. Last year, the fires resulted in 86 casualties and eight deaths, and were almost all found to be linked to the battery or generator, prompting concerns over DIY-type e-bike conversions using kits purchased online. In August, eight-year-old Luke Abiston O'Donnell died from carbon monoxide poisoning after an e-bike being charged in the front room of his house in Merseyside caught fire. The blaze was sparked by the ignition of the bike's lithium-ion battery, an inquest found. Just before Christmas, a family's home in Catford, in London, was destroyed by a fire caused by a battery on a second-hand e-bike that exploded. The year before, as reported by The Independent, a father's wife and two children were killed in a fire started by a replacement lithium e-bike battery, bought on eBay, that had been left charging. A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade, which made up most of the incidents shared by the OPSS last year, said: 'E-bikes and e-scooters are a green and sustainable way to travel around our city. 'However, the stark reality is that some of these vehicles are proving to be incredibly dangerous and are at greater risk of malfunctioning, particularly if they've been modified, fitted or converted with second-hand products or if the batteries are used with the incorrect chargers.' Kits to convert bicycles into e-bikes can be purchased online for as little at £150, with the battery and charger obtained separately. But there are concerns over the safety of batteries and chargers bought online. Earlier this year, The Independent previously found a UPP (Unit Pack Power) branded e-bike battery, which was subject to a government withdrawal notice over fire risk, was being sold on Facebook Marketplace. Pressure has also been building on the government to tackle the issue, with Liberal Democrat MP Clive Jones recently urging ministers to ensure they are included in the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, aimed at tightening product safety on online marketplaces. Experts say High Street retailers have a greater liability for product safety than selling on online marketplace platforms. London Fire Brigade deputy assistant commissioner Richard Field told The Independent: 'At the moment, there is not the same level of regulation of products for e-bikes and e-scooters sold via online marketplaces or auction sites when compared to high street shops, so we cannot be confident that products meet the correct safety standard. 'The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill is a really welcome step in the drive to reduce the worrying risk of e-bike and e-scooter fires, ultimately by decreasing the chance of customers being exposed to buying unsafe products, such as lithium batteries, chargers and conversion kits which are dangerous and do not meet UK safety standards. But charity Electrical Safety First said greater legislation beyond the Bill was needed, including a mandatory requirement for third-party certification on the safety of devices sold online. It also wants new safety standards set for the devices. A spokesperson said: 'The growing number of fires linked to e-bike and e-scooter batteries occurring across the country - and the devastating consequences they bring - is a stark reminder of the need for new laws to tackle these blazes. 'These fires are often caused by converted or heavily modified e-bikes, or substandard batteries. Whilst we're encouraged the government has introduced the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, which gives powers to tackle e-bike battery fires, it is vital that this legislation is robust enough to tackle this issue head-on.' An Amazon spokesperson said safety was a top priority and it had partnered with LFB to provide customers with tips on how to use and store e-bikes and e-scooters safely. 'We require all products offered in our store to comply with applicable laws and regulations. We monitor for product safety concerns, and we go further by requiring sellers of e-mobility products to provide documented testing carried out by an accredited lab,' they added. A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said a campaign - called Buy Safe, Be Safe - had been launched in response to the rise in lithium-ion battery fires. They said: 'We take the risk of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries very seriously, including those linked to e-bikes and e-scooters. 'We are also updating our product safety laws to help keep the public safe, as well as taking action at ports and borders to stop unsafe or non-compliant products from reaching consumers.'
Scottish Sun
11-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Popular £49 baby mat is urgently recalled in UK over risk of tots choking as parents told ‘stop using immediately'
The toy is described as 'high risk' TOT WARNING Popular £49 baby mat is urgently recalled in UK over risk of tots choking as parents told 'stop using immediately' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR baby mat is being urgently recalled over fears it could present a choking risk or other injury. The Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) said parents should stop using the MiniDream Organic 5-in-1 Baby Activity Gym immediately. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The playmat poses a choking and injury risk Credit: Minidream Amazon has removed the mat from sales on its website. The playmat has crossover arches with five detachable toys hanging down from them, designed for babies to lie down on and play with. It also comes with a teether ring which is detachable from the mat. The toys include fabric loops sewn into the side of one of the seams. However the OPSS found that the loops were big enough for a young child to 'easily' put their finger in. The child could then twist their finger, causing injuries. Even more worryingly, the OPSS found the toy could present a choking risk. The fabric of the detachable star toy will split under relatively little pressure, and contains a "fibrous filling." A child could then try to eat the filling and choke as a result. The mat's barcode is 5060727543340 and originates from China. The OPSS website said: "The product presents a serious risk of entrapment as it includes fabric loops which may entrap a child's finger. "It also presents a high asphyxiation risk, due to internal fibrous filling which can be easily accessed. "The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. "Owners should stop using the products immediately. Contact the distributor you purchased from to request redress." This is the second MiniDream product to be recalled and removed from Amazon in the space of a week. Yesterday, the Office for Product Safety & Standards said parents should stop using the MiniDream Tummy Time Activity Pillow for Babies immediately. The rounded pillows, which resemble a travel pillow, are designed to support babies when lying on their front by providing support for their arms and shoulders. MiniDream's model comes with four detachable toys, including a soft plush bunny, a star-shaped silicone teether, a crescent moon and a mirror. The toys on the reversible pillow are attached via small fabric loops. However, the Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) found that the loops were big enough for a child's finger to fit in - raising fears of serious finger injuries. More seriously, the product also comes in plastic packaging thicker than is legally allowed, meaning it could be a serious choking risk to a baby. Last week, a luxury perfume and candle gift set was urgently recalled after posing a serious health risk. The alarm was raised after a chemical that can damage the female reproductive system or harm unborn babies was discovered in the products. The £130 Maison Louis Marie No 04 Bois de Balinbourt gift set was found to contain Butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA), which is prohibited in cosmetic products. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) made the decision to withdraw the set from shops after it failed to meet trading standards. The box contains a 50ml eau de parfum, a 15ml perfume oil and a scented candle.
The Irish Sun
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Popular £49 baby mat is urgently recalled in UK over risk of tots choking as parents told ‘stop using immediately'
A POPULAR baby mat is being urgently recalled over fears it could present a choking risk or other injury. The Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) said parents should stop using the MiniDream Organic 5-in-1 Baby Activity Gym immediately. 1 The playmat poses a choking and injury risk Credit: Minidream Amazon has removed the mat from sales on its website. The It also comes with a teether ring which is detachable from the mat. The toys include fabric loops sewn into the side of one of the seams. Read more News However the The child could then twist their finger, causing Even more worryingly, the The fabric of the detachable star toy will split under relatively little Most read in The Sun A child could then try to eat the filling and choke as a result. The mat's barcode is 5060727543340 and originates from China. "It also presents a "The product does not meet the requirements of the "Owners should stop using the products immediately. Contact the distributor you purchased from to request redress." This is the second Yesterday, the Office for Product Safety & Standards said parents should stop using the The rounded pillows, which resemble a travel pillow, are designed to support babies when lying on their front by providing support for their arms and shoulders. MiniDream's model comes with four detachable The However, the Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) found that the loops were big enough for a child's finger to fit in - raising fears of serious More seriously, the product also comes in plastic packaging thicker than is legally allowed, meaning it could be a serious choking risk to a baby. Last week, a The alarm was raised after a chemical that can damage the female reproductive system or harm unborn babies was discovered in the products. The £130 Maison Louis Marie No 04 Bois de Balinbourt gift set was found to contain Butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA), which is prohibited in cosmetic products. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) made the decision to withdraw the set from shops after it failed to meet trading standards. The box contains a
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Popular £49 baby mat is urgently recalled in UK over risk of tots choking as parents told ‘stop using immediately'
A POPULAR baby mat is being urgently recalled over fears it could present a choking risk or other injury. The Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) said parents should stop using the MiniDream Organic 5-in-1 Baby Activity Gym immediately. Amazon has removed the mat from sales on its website. The playmat has crossover arches with five detachable toys hanging down from them, designed for babies to lie down on and play with. It also comes with a teether ring which is detachable from the mat. The toys include fabric loops sewn into the side of one of the seams. However the OPSS found that the loops were big enough for a young child to 'easily' put their finger in. The child could then twist their finger, causing injuries. The fabric of the detachable star toy will split under relatively little pressure, and contains a "fibrous filling." A child could then try to eat the filling and choke as a result. The mat's barcode is 5060727543340 and originates from China. The OPSS website said: "The product presents a serious risk of entrapment as it includes fabric loops which may entrap a child's finger. "It also presents a high asphyxiation risk, due to internal fibrous filling which can be easily accessed. "The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. "Owners should stop using the products immediately. Contact the distributor you purchased from to request redress." This is the second MiniDream product to be recalled and removed from Amazon in the space of a week. Yesterday, the Office for Product Safety & Standards said parents should stop using the MiniDream Tummy Time Activity Pillow for Babies immediately. The rounded pillows, which resemble a travel pillow, are designed to support babies when lying on their front by providing support for their arms and shoulders. MiniDream's model comes with four detachable toys, including a soft plush bunny, a star-shaped silicone teether, a crescent moon and a mirror. The toys on the reversible pillow are attached via small fabric loops. However, the Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) found that the loops were big enough for a child's finger to fit in - raising fears of serious finger injuries. More seriously, the product also comes in plastic packaging thicker than is legally allowed, meaning it could be a serious choking risk to a baby. Last week, a luxury perfume and candle gift set was urgently recalled after posing a serious health risk. The alarm was raised after a chemical that can damage the female reproductive system or harm unborn babies was discovered in the products. The £130 Maison Louis Marie No 04 Bois de Balinbourt gift set was found to contain Butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA), which is prohibited in cosmetic products. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) made the decision to withdraw the set from shops after it failed to meet trading standards. The box contains a 50ml eau de parfum, a 15ml perfume oil and a scented candle.
Scottish Sun
11-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Popular jewellery set urgently recalled over ‘serious chemical risk' that can ‘damage organs and may cause cancer'
The chemical that is highly restricted in the EU RECALL ALERT Popular jewellery set urgently recalled over 'serious chemical risk' that can 'damage organs and may cause cancer' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN urgent recall has been issued for a jewellery set which contains harmful chemicals. A clover jewellery set has been recalled by the Office for Product and Safety Standards (OPSS) after finding chemicals which could cause cancer and damage organs in the jewellery. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The popular product is inspired by jewellery brand Van Cleef. This is not the exact product that was recalled Imported from China, the set comes in an unmarked orange box and contains a watch, necklace, bracelet and ring. The product was rejected at the border after a report marked the risk level as "serious." A statement from OPSS reads: 'The product presents a serious risk as the cadmium content is much higher than the maximum permissible limit. 'Cadmium is harmful to human health as it accumulates in the body, can damage organs and may cause cancer.' The report also confirmed that the product did not meet the requirements of the REACH Enforcement Regulations 2008. Cadmium has previously been used in various consumer and industrial products as it is known to enhance the shine and colour of pieces. However, it is now heavily restricted in the EU due to its alarming health risks. According to the UK Government: 'Exposure to cadmium for a long period of time may result in damage to the kidneys and bones and may cause cancer.' 2 The jewellery came in an unmarked orange box The clover jewellery is heavily inspired by, and likely presents a cheaper alternative to the popular luxury goods brand Van Cleef and Arpels. The product report describes the jewellery as gold in colour with a black material inset. This bears a striking resemblance to the Van Cleef products which retail for as much as £6,000. This isn't the first time products have been recalled for containing this harmful chemical. The popular Amazon brand Dervivea was also forced to recall their products earlier this month, after a report revealed that it also contained cadmium. The product listings were recalled by Amazon, with customers advised to contact the distributor they purchased the product from to request redress. Government guidance states those inhaling or ingesting cadmium are most at risk. Breathing in air with high levels of cadmium can cause 'a metallic taste in the mouth, shortness of breath, chest pain, cough and flu-like symptoms.' If you are experiencing these symptoms and are concerned about your health following prolonged exposure to cadmium, you should seek guidance from your GP or contact NHS 111.
