EBay is clamping down on private sales of e-bikes and e-bike batteries on its U.K. platform following concerns about fire safety; however, it is unclear how the new rule will impact fire concerns.
According to the BBC, eBay does not allow the sale of e-bikes by private sellers but rather for businesses and commercial users.
The company said certain “eligible business sellers” are still permitted to sell e-bikes on its platform, though eBay did not share details regarding how companies could meet those criteria.
E-bikes have a small electric motor that can be activated by pedaling or using a throttle on the handlebar. The motor provides an extra boost, allowing the user to pedal faster and farther. The vehicles have soared in popularity, but incidents involving battery fires have also risen.
EBay’s move appears to be voluntary; however, there is no regulation in the U.K. related to companies hosting private sales of e-bikes on their platforms.
EBay has not announced similar bans in its other markets, including in the U.S.
Image courtesy eBay
