Search News

News Stories

21-30 of 201 articles found

UK Government issues renewed warning on dangerous UPP e-bike batteries

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a fresh warning about the dangers of UPP e-bike batteries, urging consumers to stop using them immediately.

4 Mar 2025, more…

Independent cycle shop becomes first retailer to stock new local bike brand

Independent cycling retailer and ACT member Velo Fit has become the first to stock a new brand of bikes focused on combining quality and affordability.

28 Feb 2025, more…

Cargo e-bike logistics company enters administration following failure to find new funding

Electric cargo bike firm Zedify is set to enter administration following a failed search for new funding, after aiming to be active in 50 cities over the next few years.

19 Feb 2025, more…

UK Government removes tariffs on Chinese e-bikes sparking concerns for domestic industry

The UK Government has removed anti-dumping tariffs on non-folding e-bikes imported from China in a move that has raised alarm within the UK’s cycling industry over potential market...

14 Feb 2025, more…

Free webinar exclusive to ACT members on employment law compliance

The ACT and legal partner WorkNest are hosting an exclusive webinar on how to remain compliant with employment law while making necessary business changes.

4 Feb 2025, more…

Government publishes research on e-bike battery safety

New independent research has confirmed OEM e-bikes are effectively exempt from risk of battery fires, with unsafe post-purchase replacement batteries, conversion kits, and other equipment that...

31 Jan 2025, more…

Government rejects 500w e-Bike proposal and suggested changes to throttle assistance after consultation

The UK Government has decided not to go ahead with proposals to increase the maximum power output of e-Bikes to 500W and to permit throttle assistance following a lengthy consultation process.

31 Jan 2025, more…

Australian Cytech training provider visits UK centres for productive exchanges of insight and ideas

Cytech's Australian training provider The Bicycle Academy,  which delivers their courses in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, paid visits to UK Cytech centres late last year...

22 Jan 2025, more…

ACT to deliver talk on challenges and opportunities in UK cycle industry as iceBike* seminars announced

The ACT is set to deliver a seminar at both the North and South iceBike* events discussing the current challenges and opportunities facing the UK cycle industry.

21 Jan 2025, more…

ACT announces new partnership with legal specialists WorkNest

The ACT has teamed up with employment law, HR, and health and safety experts WorkNest as the association's new legal partner.

17 Jan 2025, more…

UK Government issues renewed warning on dangerous UPP e-bike batteries

Posted on 4 Mar 2025

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a fresh warning about the dangers of UPP e-bike batteries, urging consumers to stop using them immediately.

E-bike Batteries

The OPSS has shared a reminder that certain models of UPP batteries, linked to multiple serious fires, pose a significant risk of explosion and rapid fire spread, which could result in severe injury or even death.

The specific models affected are the Unit Pack Power (UPP) U004 and U004-1, which OPSS has identified as hazardous, with retailers and consumers advised to check their e-bikes, particularly second-hand models or those converted from regular bicycles, to ensure they do not contain the batteries.

The reminder follows a previous warning from OPSS in January 2024, when it took action to have the UPP batteries removed from online marketplaces. Despite these efforts, unsafe batteries remain in circulation, putting consumers at serious risk.

Graham Russell, Chief Executive of OPSS, said: "Unsafe e-bike batteries are still in use around the country. When they are being charged, they can catch fire with horrific force, threatening the lives of those who use them, their families and their neighbours.

“While OPSS takes action to remove these wherever we can, it is vital that consumers are aware of the risks and that they check that their own e-bike, or any e-bike they see for sale online, does not contain these UPP batteries. If anyone finds one, don’t use it and contact the seller."

The Government has reiterated the importance of only buying e-bikes from reputable sellers and replacing parts with those recommended by the manufacturer, while consumers converting or repairing e-bikes are also encouraged to seek professional assistance to avoid safety hazards.

The ACT is encouraging our members and any other independent cycling retailers to help raise awareness by spreading the OPSS warning on the specific UPP e-bike batteries through their communication channels and consumer groups.

With continued circulation of dangerous UPP batteries, it is essential to ensure as many people as possible are informed of the risks of these batteries and are aware of how to buy, use and work on e-bikes safely.

Further guidance on reducing e-bike fire risks, including a safety checklist, is available from the Government guidance here.

The e-Bike Positive campaign, launched last year by the ACT and other key cycling organisations, aims to promote the positive aspects of e-bike usage and to ensure fair and accurate reporting of e-bike-related news. To find out more, click here.

You can join our list of e-bike positive retailers by signing our pledge here.