‘We don’t want Sofia to die in vain’: Mum calls for e-bike safety rules after fire killed daughter
The mother of a woman who died in a fire believed to be caused by a converted e-bike battery has started a petition calling for tighter regulations.
Maria Frasquilho Macarro’s daughter, Sofia Duarte, 21, died in the fire at her flat in the Old Kent Road, Bermondsey, on New Year’s Day 2023.
The petition – which already has 33,000 signatures – calls for urgent action from the Government to implement regulations on e-bikes, e-scooters and the batteries and chargers sold with them.
As Sofia’s mother marked her only daughter’s birthday yesterday, she said: “This matters so much to me because the most important thing in my whole world has been taken away – all because of some stupid bike.
“In honour of Sofia’s memory and the others who have sadly lost their lives, too, sign the petition today.”
Fire investigators found a bicycle had been converted into an e-bike and the bike’s lithium battery pack had failed, causing the fire.
The fire broke out in Sofia’s flat hallway, blocking her fire escape route. Hers was the first death in London caused by an e-bike fire.
Family friend Alda Simoes, who helped set up the petition last month, said: “We don’t want Sofia to die in vain. Sadly deaths are continuing to happen.
“Tragically others have lost their lives up and down the UK, and there are many who have suffered serious injuries, too. We must stop this happening today, not tomorrow.”
LFB data shows fires involving e-bike and e-scooter batteries are London’s fastest-growing fire trend.
On average there was a fire every two days in 2023. Last year the total number of fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters went up almost 60 per cent compared to 2022.
The LFB’s assistant commissioner for fire safety, Charlie Pugsley, said: “We always recommend purchasing items from a reputable high street seller.
“It’s also essential to use the correct charger for the battery, otherwise the risk of fire is much greater.”
Deputy Mayor for fire and resilience, Fiona Twycross, said: “Sofia’s death was a tragedy that should never have happened. I’m proud to support the tireless campaigning of her family and friends to ensure this tragedy is not repeated.”
The petition can be signed here: https://www.change.org/Sofia-Duarte
Pictured top: Sofia Duarte, who died on New Year’s Day in a fire believed to have been caused by a converted e-bike battery (Picture: The LFB)