Risk mitigations when insuring premises

The below mitigation measures are suggested as e-bike specific considerations which could be considered by insurers in addition to the expected and often legally required fire safety measures which responsible persons should have in place for buildings (e.g. proper risk assessments, alarm systems, exit and evacuation plans).

For residential premises

Premises with some or all of the following in place may be considered to have reduced exposure to e-bike fire risk:

1. A systematic survey of e-bike and other lithium battery mobility devices which access, enter, are stored and/or are charged in the premises, and of the usage purposes of these devices (e.g. personal transport, mobility aid for disability, cycle logistics access to make deliveries, gig economy delivery rider use).
2. Secure outside facilities for safe storage and charging of e-bikes.
3. Secure outside facilities for safe storage and charging of e-bike batteries (e.g. metal charging lockers).
4. Internal facilities equipped for safe storage and charging (see DfT and LFB guidance for details). Risk may be further reduced if charging is physically limited (by cutting off mains power to sockets) only to times when the building is manned or to daytime when residents are unlikely to be sleeping.
5. Policies in place which require e.g.
   1. Residents to provide written evidence that any e-bike they will store and/or charge on the premises was supplied as a complete system (i.e. rather than as a kit) from a reputable brand and from a reputable retailer, and to sign a written commitment that they will use it only in accordance with instructions and with genuine parts, and will not bring it onto the premises if the battery is damaged. Risk may be further reduced if the brand is on the BA Register of Safety-Audited E-bike Brands and the retailer is committed to the E-bike Positive Retailer Pledge.
   2. A process to spot check the above - premises managers could e.g. check for CE or UKCA marking on e-bikes as part of regular inspections, and/or if in doubt check with the retailer.
   3. Procedures for food deliveries to be made without any delivery e-bikes entering the building.

For business or public premises

1. A systematic survey of e-bike and other lithium battery mobility devices which access, enter, are stored and/or are charged in the premises, and of the usage purposes of these devices (e.g. personal transport, mobility aid for disability, cycle logistics access to make deliveries)
2. Secure outside facilities for safe storage and charging of e-bikes
3. Secure outside facilities for safe storage and charging of e-bike batteries (e.g. metal charging lockers).
4. Internal facilities equipped for safe storage and charging (see DfT and LFB guidance for details). Risk may be further reduced if charging is physically limited (by cutting off mains power to sockets) only to times when the building is manned.
5. Policies in place which require e.g.
   1. Employees to provide written evidence that any e-bike they will store and/or charge on the premises was supplied as a complete system (i.e. rather than as a kit) from a reputable brand and from a reputable retailer, and to sign a written commitment that they will use it only in accordance with instructions and with genuine parts, and will not bring it onto the premises if the battery is damaged. Risk may be further reduced if the brand is on the BA Register of Safety-Audited E-bike Brands and the retailer is committed to the E-bike Positive Retailer Pledge.
   2. A process to spot check the above and to enforce via employee disciplinary procedures - employers could e.g. check for CE or UKCA marking, and/or if in doubt check with the retailer.
   3. Procedures for deliveries to be made to internal loading bays only by established cycle logistics operators (rather than gig economy delivery riders, whose vehicles must remain outside). Risk may be further reduced if the cycle logistics operator is FORS accredited and/or commits to the Bicycle Association’s UK Cargo Bike Rider and Operator Codes of Practice.