THE DANGERS OF E-BIKES

They have been the cause of five deaths across the UK - four of which were this year. Woman's Own investigates....

- SARAH WHITELEY

While e-bikes and scooters are an easy and efficient way of getting around, they are proving dangerous, particularly when brought inside to charge.

London Fire Brigade recently revealed that its crews had been called to an e-bike or e-scooter fire every other day so far this year, a 60% increase on the same period last year. ‘E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming more common in London and across the UK,’ says London Fire Brigade deputy commissioner Dom Ellis. ‘Sadly the risk of significant fires due to batteries inside them failing is on the rise too. Once a battery starts to go into ‘thermal runaway’ a fire develops very quickly.’

The main problem seems to be people turning conventional bikes into e-bikes with conversion kits, which are not always sold with a battery. Cheaper batteries sold online may not adhere to UK safety regulations, London Fire Brigade warns.

We speak to a mum who is living with the tragedy they can cause…

Sofia's death was needless'

Maria Frasquilho Macarro, 58, lives in London.

Sofia Duarte was my only daughter and the biggest achievement in my life.

Always laughing and happy, she loved spending time with her friends and having a good time. I nicknamed her 'Party' because she was always ready for one! Her energy and zest for life was infectious, and it was impossible not to feel good in her company.