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Coventry Fire Victim’s Family Leads Christmas Warning Over Unsafe E‑Bike Batteries

Campaigners are pressing for legal duties on online marketplaces under new product safety powers.

Overview

  • Natasha Johnson-Mall, 27, and Karlo Bogdan, 24, died in a November 2024 Coventry blaze traced to a self-converted e‑bike battery left charging overnight.
  • It is reported the battery was bought from a private seller on an online marketplace and the conversion followed online guidance, underscoring risks from uncertified parts.
  • Ehsia Johnson‑Mall and Electrical Safety First urge festive shoppers to avoid DIY conversions, buy only from reputable retailers, and ensure charger–battery compatibility.
  • New research by Electrical Safety First indicates 9% of people in Britain are considering an e‑bike, e‑scooter or conversion kit purchase this Christmas.
  • Electrical Safety First is seeking marketplace liability and a designated conversion‑kit standard under the 2025 product safety law, while the government continues its Buy Safe, Be Safe campaign and signals further updates.