Make sure your Black Friday deals aren't #TooGoodToBeTrue

This Black Friday, we want to remind shoppers - especially those buying e-bikes and e-scooters - to make sure that their new purchases are not #TooGoodToBeTrue.

As the popularity of Black Friday deals continues to rise, so too does the number of cheap, low-quality electrical goods on sale.

This includes e-bikes and e-scooters, which are powered by lithium-ion batteries. Some of these devices on the market have been manufactured poorly and do not meet British or European standards.

If you purchase an e-bike or e-scooter that is low-cost, counterfeit or refurbished, it could contain a faulty lithium-ion battery, which can catch fire and explode.

Whilst an unusually cheap battery or charger might seem like a good deal, it is not worth risking your life and destroying your home just to save a few pounds.

That is why we are urging people to only buy genuine e-bikes, e-scooters, chargers and batteries from reputable retailers.

You should also register your new product with the manufacturer, in order to validate any warranties, which will usually include batteries. This will make it easier for the manufacturer to contact you in the event of a safety risk or product recall.

Ian Read, Head of Prevent, Protect and Partnerships at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Fires and explosions caused by faulty lithium-ion batteries can and do kill.

"We are sadly being called to a growing number of these incidents across the country, with the contents of the batteries causing rapid fires that are difficult to extinguish.

"As firefighters, we can only do our best to tackle a blaze once it has already started, but, ultimately, we believe that prevention is better than cure.

"That's why you must ensure that your new device is completely safe and genuine prior to purchasing. We know that Christmas can be expensive and people might try to save their money where they can, but doing so on lithium-ion batteries can have devastating consequences.

"If it isn't, you will be risking your life and that of others."

Remember, if a deal looks #TooGoodToBeTrue, it probably is.