1. Introduction
Welcome to Spark Riders. Your safety is extremely important to us. This policy provides essential guidance regarding the safe use, charging, handling, transportation, storage, and maintenance of electric scooters (E-Scooters), electric bikes (E-Bikes), and lithium-ion batteries.
Please read this policy carefully before using any of our products. By purchasing and operating our products, you agree to follow the safety recommendations and responsibilities outlined below.
2. Disclaimer
Spark Riders is a retailer of electric scooters and electric bikes. All products supplied by us are required to pass relevant electrical and safety testing, and we verify CE certifications to the best of our ability.
However, lithium-ion batteries are inherently sensitive components and carry certain risks regardless of brand or manufacturer. Batteries may become unstable over time, particularly if they are:
- Damaged
- Improperly handled
- Overcharged
- Exposed to extreme temperatures
- Incorrectly stored or maintained
In rare circumstances, lithium-ion batteries may experience overheating, smoke, fire, or thermal runaway.
Riding electric scooters and electric bikes also involves inherent risks, especially when travelling at higher speeds or riding in traffic, poor visibility, uneven terrain, or unsafe conditions. Riders may suffer injury due to falls, collisions, or loss of control.
By purchasing and using our products, you acknowledge and accept these risks. You agree to:
- Follow all manufacturer safety instructions
- Use the products responsibly
- Properly maintain, charge, store, and operate the product
- Wear certified helmets and appropriate protective gear at all times while riding
Spark Riders is not the manufacturer of these products and accepts no liability for injury, damage, loss, accidents, or battery-related incidents arising from:
- Improper use or handling
- Battery degradation over time
- Manufacturing defects
- Spontaneous battery failure
- Failure to carry out regular inspections and maintenance
- Failure to have the product professionally checked at least once per month by a qualified technician
Nothing in this policy limits or excludes liability where unlawful to do so, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
3. General Safety Guidelines
To ensure safe operation of your E-Scooter or E-Bike, please follow these guidelines:
- Always read and understand the user manual before use.
- Use only approved batteries, chargers, and components supplied or recommended by Spark Riders.
- Never puncture, crush, or expose batteries to mechanical shock.
- Keep batteries away from water and other liquids.
- Keep batteries out of reach of children and pets.
- Never take batteries into enclosed spaces with no clear emergency exit, such as elevators.
- Always wear certified full-face helmets and suitable protective gear, including:
- Elbow protection
- Knee protection
- Armoured jackets and trousers
- Sturdy footwear
- E-Scooters and E-Bikes may come speed-limited for safety purposes. Although these limits may sometimes be bypassed, we strongly discourage doing so as it significantly increases the risk of serious injury and battery strain.
If you require assistance regarding speed settings or safe operation, please contact us before making modifications.
4. Charging Instructions
Improper charging practices can increase the risk of fire or battery damage. Please follow all charging instructions carefully.
Safe Charging Guidelines
- Always use the manufacturer-approved charger.
- Replace damaged chargers only with official or reputable replacements.
- Never leave batteries charging unattended or overnight.
- Only charge batteries while awake and present.
- Follow all manufacturer charging instructions and recommended charging times.
- Charge batteries in a well-ventilated area away from combustible or flammable materials such as:
- Curtains
- Carpets
- Furniture
- Choose a charging area where a fire could be contained and not spread easily.
- Ensure charging areas have working smoke alarms or heat detectors installed.
- Inspect batteries and chargers before every charge. If damage is suspected, stop using the product immediately until inspected by a qualified technician.
- Disconnect the charger once charging is complete to prevent overcharging.
- Never cover chargers or battery packs during charging.
- Avoid overloading electrical sockets.
- If extension leads are necessary, ensure they are fully uncoiled and correctly rated.
- Never charge batteries in hallways, stairwells, communal areas, or escape routes in multi-occupancy buildings.
5. Storage Guidelines
Proper battery storage helps maintain performance and reduce safety risks.
Safe Storage Practices
- Store batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid excessive heat or freezing temperatures.
- For long-term storage, maintain battery charge between 40% and 60%.
- Do not store batteries below -10°C or above 45°C.
- Avoid storing batteries in uninsulated sheds or areas with major temperature fluctuations.
- Keep batteries away from metal objects that may cause short circuits.
- Store products in locations where potential fire risks can be contained.
- Never store E-Scooters or E-Bikes in:
- Corridors
- Stairwells
- Shared exits
- Escape routes
- Property owners and landlords should assess risks associated with communal charging or storage areas.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s long-term storage instructions.
6. Handling & Transportation
When transporting batteries or electric vehicles:
- Ensure batteries are secured properly to avoid movement or damage.
- Follow all local regulations relating to lithium-ion battery transportation.
- Never transport damaged lithium-ion batteries by air.
7. Maintenance & Inspection
Routine inspection and maintenance are essential for safety.
Maintenance Requirements
- Regularly inspect batteries for:
- Swelling
- Wear
- Damage
- Unusual behavior
- Before every ride, inspect:
- Bolts
- Screws
- Bearings
- Brakes
- Tires
- Mechanical components
- Never disassemble or modify batteries yourself.
- Repairs and servicing should only be completed by qualified or authorized technicians.
- All electrical and mechanical components should be professionally inspected at least once per month.
- Replace batteries that show signs of deterioration or have reached the end of their usable lifespan.
8. Emergency Procedures
Battery Overheating
If the battery becomes:
- Excessively hot
- Emits an unusual smell
- Produces smoke
- Behaves abnormally
Stop using the product immediately.
Fire Safety
In the event of a battery fire:
- Evacuate immediately
- Get out and stay out
- Call emergency services (999)
If safe and appropriate, a Class D fire extinguisher may be used on lithium battery fires.
First Aid
If battery chemicals come into contact with skin or eyes:
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Seek immediate medical attention
9. Disposal & Recycling
Safe Battery Disposal
- Never incinerate lithium-ion batteries.
- Do not dispose of batteries in household waste or recycling bins.
- Damaged batteries may ignite during waste handling.
- Use approved battery recycling facilities only.
- Check whether your product manufacturer offers a battery recycling scheme.
- Contact your local authority for information about approved lithium battery disposal centers.
- Dispose of batteries responsibly to help protect the environment.
10. Customer Responsibilities
Customers are responsible for:
- Following all safety instructions and guidance provided
- Complying with local laws and regulations regarding use and disposal
- Reporting any product safety concerns or incidents to Spark Riders immediately
11. Limitation of Liability
Spark Riders shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from:
- Battery-related incidents
- Product misuse
- Illegal use of products
- Failure to follow this safety policy
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Property damage
- Personal injury
- Loss of life
- Accidents involving E-Scooters or E-Bikes
- Fire caused by improper battery handling or charging
Lithium-ion batteries inherently carry fire risks, and riding electric vehicles carries inherent risks of injury and accidents.
12. Warranty Information
Battery Warranty
- Battery warranty coverage applies to manufacturing defects under normal use for a period of 6 months.
- Additional warranty coverage for other components is detailed on our dedicated Warranty Policy page.
Warranty Exclusions
The warranty does not cover damage caused by:
- Misuse
- Abuse
- Improper charging or storage
- Failure to follow this policy
- Accidental damage
- Unauthorized modifications
Warranty Claims
To submit a warranty claim, please contact customer support with:
- Proof of purchase
- A detailed description of the issue
- Supporting photos or videos where applicable
13. Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or need to report a safety issue, please contact us:
Email: support@Sparkriders.co.uk
Phone:
14. Policy Updates
Spark Riders reserves the right to amend or update this policy at any time without prior notice.
Any changes will be published on our website, and customers are responsible for reviewing the latest version of this policy periodically.