Dangerous e-bike batteries that were recalled by the government in January are still being sold online eight months later. The recalled UPP battery packs have been linked to multiple fires and explosions across the UK.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued an urgent safety warning telling riders to immediately stop using certain UPP battery models. Despite this official recall, e-bike specialist Mark Reece from Rev Monkey has discovered the dangerous battery packs still for sale on Facebook Marketplace in cities across Britain.
The recalled batteries are UPP-branded models labeled U004 and U004-1. They’re being sold privately by individuals who may not realize they’re offering recalled products.
London alone has seen an average of 18 e-bike fires per month this year. The London Fire Brigade has traced four deaths back to e-bike battery incidents.
These batteries have been linked to dangerous fires and explosions. When they go into thermal runaway, they can hit 600°C, release harmful gases, and ignite fires that are difficult to extinguish.
Reece explained that while major platforms like Amazon and eBay removed the recalled battery listings, private sellers continue circulating them through Facebook Marketplace and similar platforms.
Most e-bike fires stem from poorly manufactured or unregulated batteries. These problematic packs typically show up in off-brand bikes, counterfeit models, or heavily modified setups used by delivery riders in major cities.
Graham Russell, chief executive of OPSS, emphasized the ongoing challenge:
While OPSS takes action to remove these unsafe batteries wherever we can, it’s 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.
Spotting Dangerous E-bike Batteries
Reece offered guidance for riders checking their e-bike safety. He recommends choosing brands that undergo testing and quality control to meet international safety standards.
Look for bikes with CE testing certification and a CE-marked aluminum tag on delivery. Quality e-bikes use lithium-ion battery packs designed with multiple protection layers against overcharging, short circuits, and thermal runaway.
Check information about the Battery Management Systems (BMS) – these ensure batteries operate safely under heavy use.
Warning signs of potentially dangerous batteries include:
- Visible damage like cracks, swelling, or leaking
- Signs of overheating, unusual odors, or rapid battery drainage
- Voltage readings outside manufacturer guidelines when tested with a multimeter
If you spot these warning signs or own one of the recalled UPP batteries, stop using it immediately. Store the battery away from anything flammable and take it to a local household recycling center that accepts lithium-ion batteries.
Government guidance echoes this advice – emphasizing that proper disposal at certified recycling facilities helps prevent fires during transport and processing.
The continued online sale of recalled batteries highlights the challenge authorities face in completely removing dangerous products from circulation once they’ve entered the private resale market.
