Bermondsey flat blaze: E-bike fire risks warning by mother of victim

The mother of a young woman who died in a flat fire in Bermondsey on New Year’s Day has pleaded with Londoners to be wary when using e-bikes and e-scooters.

Maria Frasquilho Macarro’s 21-year-old daughter, Sofia Duarte, died on January 1 in a flat fire in Old Kent Road believed to have been caused by a converted e-bike’s battery bursting into flames.

In 2023, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has been called to an e-bike or e-scooter fire once every two days - a 60% hike on the same period last year. In total, the LFB attended 87 e-bike and 29 e-scooter fires.

In Sofia’s case, the fire broke out and blocked the nearby escape route. A bicycle which had been converted into an e-bike was subsequently found, with its lithium battery pack having failed.

Maria, who is originally from Portugal but brought her daughter up in west London, said her world fell apart when she found out Sofia had died.

Maria said: “Sofia loved life, she loved to party and she enjoyed her job working behind the bar at a nightclub. Now all I have left is my daughter’s ashes.

“I really want to make sure her death is not in vain and if I can raise awareness about the dangers of e-bikes and lithium batteries then there will be a positive in this. If we can save someone else’s life, I will take great comfort in that because at the moment I am hurting - I don’t want others to suffer as much as I have done.

“Sofia meant the world to me and my family. I don’t know how to live without her. It feels like a nightmare and I can’t wake up.”

#ChargeSafe

In response to the rising number of incidents, the LFB has launched its #ChargeSafe campaign, calling on Londoners to use their e-bikes and e-scooters safely, and informing them about the dangers of charging, storing and modifying the vehicles and their batteries.

One particular area of concern is around bikes being fitted with cheap batteries bought online, which do not always comply with UK safety regulations.

LFB’s deputy commissioner, Dom Ellis, said: “Sofia’s death is a tragedy, and our condolences are with her family and friends. We are working hard to prevent these types of incidents in the future.

“E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming more common in London and the risk of significant fires is rising too. We want people to travel safely and be aware of the risks that the batteries present as part of our #ChargeSafe campaign. Protect yourself and your loved ones by following our #ChargeSafe tips and by using our Home Fire Safety Checker.

“Never block your escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters. The only way to be sure of a legal, safe and reliable e-bike is to buy one in complete form, from a trusted and reputed retailer.

“The number of incidents our fire crews are attending shows that buying a product from a reputable seller will help protect you, your family and property from bursting into flames - not forgetting the peace of mind it can give.”

What are the LFB’s safety tips?

As part of its #ChargeSafe campaign, the LFB has put together a series of tips to try and prevent fires breaking out as a result of e-bikes and e-scooters.

They are:

1. Never block your escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters. 

The LFB advises users to store their e-bikes and e-scooters away from a main through-route, ideally in locations such as a garage or a shed. 

2. Check your battery and charger meets UK safety standards.

Users should look out for signs the battery or charger aren’t working properly, for example if they are hot to touch or have changed shape.

3. Always use the correct charger and buy an official one from a reputable seller.

Batteries bought online are a particular concern, as they may not meet the required safety standards.

4. Let the battery cool before charging.

Batteries can get warm during use, so the LFB advises those with e-bikes and e-scooters to let them cool down before charging.

5. Unplug your charger once it’s finished charging.

The manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed when charging, and the e-bike or e-scooter should not be left unattended or charged while people are asleep.

6. Fit alarms where you charge. 

Smoke alarms should be fitted where e-bikes or e-scooters are being charged. The LFB also recommends using its free online home fire safety tool, by visting: london-fire.gov.uk/checker.