eBay will ban private sellers from listing electric bikes and electric bike batteries for sale in the UK from 31 October.
As reported by the BBC, only “eligible business sellers” will be permitted to sell electric bikes on the platform.
The move comes due to concerns over electric bike safety, particularly around unregulated conversion kits, which pose the greatest risk.
The London Fire Brigade recorded 155 ebike fires in 2023, up by 78 per cent from the previous year.
A number of these cases were linked to one battery brand, UPP, with a withdrawal notice subsequently issued to 20 online sellers and the brand itself.
Extensive media coverage of electric bike fires has harmed consumer confidence – a recent report said 23 per cent of UK adults were put off buying an ebike by the potential risk of battery fires.
eBay has been contacted for comment.