SHOCKING pictures reveal the devastating aftermath of an e-bike fire that completely destroyed a woman’s home.
Photos show the charred ruins of the house, which saw a deadly blaze sweep through it after an e-bike battery exploded.
Shocking photos show the devastating aftermath of an e-bike fire Credit: SWNS
Most of the bike was destroyed in the fire Credit: SWNS
Joanne Frost, 42, returned to her two-bed house in Bromley, south east London, last June, to discover roaring flames bursting from her windows.
Her son’s which had been in the front room, had caught fire, razing her home of 24 years to the ground.
Joanne said: “My son was in there, his friend, and a dog – he just heard a bang.
“He opened his bedroom door and he just heard noises and smoke, he was stuck in his bedroom.
Joanne says she no longer sleeps with anything other than the fridge plugged in Credit: SWNS
Joanne’s new kitchen was destroyed in the deadly blaze Credit: SWNS
Joanne came home one morning to find her home of 24 years up in flames Credit: SWNS
Her son Olly had left his bike in the front room of their house Credit: SWNS
“He opened up the windows and a man across the road, luckily, was outside painting the front of the house.
“He came over with the ladder and managed to get the boys out.
“The dog was stuck in there for a while, but we managed to get him out.
“It literally just went up in 15 minutes. The house was just gone.”
Joanne’s ceilings, sofa and newly-bought appliances were completely destroyed in the fire.
She has since been living in for 10 months, including a Travelodge for six weeks.
Her teenage son, Olly, 16, was given the bike by his dad for his 15th birthday.
He said he would “drive” the bike around the park and use it to go and see friends.
Joanne advises e-bike users to do their research before purchase and charge them in the garden Credit: SWNS
The mum feels there should be tighter regulations around the manufacture of e-bikes Credit: SWNS
Joanne said that both she and Olly had been left with a “bit of ” and that the only appliance she leaves plugged in overnight now is the fridge.
She warned others about purchasing an e-bike, advising that they do their research beforehand and buy from a trusted supplier.
“If you’re going to charge it, do it in the garden, don’t charge it in your house at all – at least if it does blow up, it blows up outside, not in your property,” she said.
“I’ve become very paranoid about everything now – I don’t charge my mobile phone overnight.”
Joanne added that e-bikes should be “tested properly” before being sold and that there should be more manufacturing regulations.
It comes after after an e-bike battery exploded.
Horrifying footage shows the flames engulfing the apartment block in Bethnal Green in October last year.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “If you can, store an e-bike or e-scooter outdoors in an external location such as a garage or shed.
“However, we understand that this is not possible for everyone.
“If you keep an e-bike or e-scooter indoors.
“Make sure it is never being stored or charged on an escape route, such as a hallway, by the front door or on or under a staircase.
“Instead, have it in a room away from the door, where in the event of a fire, you can shut the door and get everyone to safety.”
In the UK, e-bikes can be ridden by anyone aged 14 or over, as long as they have pedals that can be used to propel it.
The motor must cut out when travelling at more than 15.5mph.
Bikes that do not meet these requirements are considered motorbikes under the law and must be taxed and insured.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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