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8 May 2025

ACT parent company Bira has welcomed the Bank of England's decision to reduce interest rates from 4.5% to 4.25%, calling it a "much-needed boost" for the retail sector, including for cycling...

8 May 2025

ACT parent company Bira has responded to the news that the 144-year-old Beales department store is staging a "Rachel Reeves Closing Down Sale" in its final weeks of trading, with giant yellow...

2 May 2025

Could the UK cycling industry be showing signs of renewed momentum? Following a challenging period marked by falling sales and overstocked inventories, overall trends and sales figures from...

2 May 2025

The Netherlands is set to legalise electric scooters and other light electric vehicles on public roads from July 2025, provided they are registered and display a license plate.

30 Apr 2025

The ACT has welcomed the announcement of a parliamentary inquiry into e-bike products not meeting safety regulations, which has been launched “in context of dangerous low-quality e-bike...

29 Apr 2025

Edinburgh has been named the UK’s top city for bike commuting, with 10.00% of its workforce choosing to cycle to work, according to new research.

28 Apr 2025

The Labour Government’s new Employment Rights Bill is set to be in force this year and the new regulations will impact high street retailers up and down the country.

25 Apr 2025

ACT parent company Bira welcomes the Chancellor's announcement of plans to create a level playing field for British businesses against unfair international trade practices.

15 Apr 2025

Retail Crime Remains Alarming - Bira's Latest Survey Reveals Urgent Need for Action

11 Apr 2025

Bira has cautiously welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement this week on plans to put 'thousands of Bobbies back on the Beat' with a new neighbourhood policing guarantee.

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Government to tackle unscrupulous overseas suppliers who sell unsafe products via online marketplaces

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

A bill announced in the King’s Speech that would address the potential fire risks associated with e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries, has been welcomed.

E-bike

The Product Safety and Metrology Bill will, “preserve the UK’s status as a global leader in product regulation, supporting businesses and protecting consumers”, according to the background briefing notes. It would also ensure a:

“level playing field between the high street and online marketplaces”.

The bill will support growth, provide regulatory stability and deliver more protection for consumers by "responding to new product risks and opportunities" to enable the UK to "keep pace" with technological advances, such as AI, and address challenges like the fire risk associated with e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries. "Without these powers, we will not be able to effectively regulate these high-risk products and protect consumers and workers," the document said.

It would also identify new and emerging business models in the supply chain, ensuring the responsibilities of those involved in the supply of products, such as online marketplaces, are clear. This would help the Government "better protect" consumers. "Without these powers it will remain far too easy for unscrupulous overseas suppliers to place unsafe goods on the UK market through online marketplaces.”

Wayne Mackay, head of public affairs at charity Electrical Safety First (ESF), said the charity is “thrilled” to hear of the plans, following its campaigning work which includes calls for third-party certification for e-bikes, e-scooters, and their batteries.

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