A faulty e-bike battery that caused a serious house fire in Surrey has been pulled from sale on Amazon, following an investigation by Surrey Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) and Surrey Trading Standards.
The fire, which broke out in a local home while the battery was on charge, was traced to a Unit Pack Power lithium-ion battery—commonly used in DIY e-bike conversions. The incident has once again highlighted the increasing risk posed by unsafe or non-compliant lithium-ion batteries, especially those sold online by unknown sellers.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by poor-quality lithium-ion batteries,” said Matt Perry, Fire Investigation Officer at SFRS.
Why This Is a Serious Concern for Surrey Homeowners
The popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters has soared in recent years, particularly in towns like Guildford, Farnham, Reigate, and Woking. But with this trend comes a surge in battery-related fire risks.
Lithium-ion batteries can overheat, explode, or catch fire if:
- They are damaged or poorly manufactured
- Incorrect or incompatible chargers are used
- They are overcharged or left unattended during charging
The battery in this case was not compliant with UK safety standards, and investigators confirmed it ignited while charging, causing property damage and putting lives at risk.
Action Taken by Amazon
Following the investigation, Amazon confirmed that the battery had been removed from sale and reiterated its commitment to customer safety.
“We require all e-mobility battery sellers to provide documentation proving compliance with applicable regulations. If we find non-compliant products, we act—by removing listings, contacting sellers and authorities, and enhancing safety requirements,” Amazon said in a public statement.
The case also involved Surrey County Council Trading Standards, who urged consumers to remain vigilant.
“Consumers should always check that batteries and chargers meet UK safety regulations, and be especially cautious of cheap or unbranded products sold online,” said Amanda Poole, Assistant Director for Trading Standards.
What the Fire Industry Association (FIA) Says
The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has long raised the alarm over low-cost, unsafe lithium-ion batteries. They strongly advise only purchasing batteries and chargers:
- From reputable sellers
- With clear UKCA or CE markings
- That include user manuals and warranty details
- Compliant with relevant safety regulations such as BS EN 62133 and UN38.3
“If it’s too cheap to be true, it probably is,” states FIA guidance. “Low-cost, uncertified batteries are one of the biggest emerging fire risks in UK homes and workplaces.”
Source:
FIA battery safety campaign: https://www.fia.uk.com/news/lithium-ion-battery-safety.html
How You Can Stay Safe in Surrey and Hampshire
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we help homeowners, landlords, and businesses in Surrey and Hampshire stay safe and compliant with fire and electrical safety regulations. Our recommendations:
🔌 Always use original chargers supplied by the manufacturer
🛑 Never leave batteries charging unattended or overnight
⚠️ Avoid DIY battery kits or batteries sold on online marketplaces without clear certification
✅ Only buy from known, trusted brands and suppliers
🔍 Check for overheating, swelling, or damage to batteries and cables
If you’re unsure about the safety of your setup, get a professional inspection. We offer:
- PAT testing for chargers and portable devices
- Fire risk assessments for homes and businesses
- EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Reports)
- Safety consultations for rental properties using e-bikes or e-scooters
Final Thoughts
With e-bike fires on the rise across the UK, this incident serves as an urgent reminder to check your chargers, batteries, and storage practices—especially if you’re living or renting in Surrey or Hampshire.
For more details about the original incident, see the source article via Surrey County Council News.
Need peace of mind about battery safety in your home or rental property?
👉 Book a fire safety check with ESI today at www.esielectrical.co.uk
📞 Serving Guildford, Farnborough, Woking, Basingstoke, and surrounding areas.
