The fire risks of e-bikes and e-scooters
(London Fire Brigade took this image of the remains of an e-bike which caught fire in Shepherd's Bush).
With an increased use of e-bikes and e-scooters, comes an increased fire safety concern. By the end of August 2023, London Fire Brigade crews had fought 123 such fires, compared with 116 in 2022 and 78 in 2021 – with most fires related to e-bikes and e-scooter happening in homes.
One of the major issues relating to fire safety and e-bikes is how the batteries are charged. It’s important to adhere to the following guidance for the safety of you and your neighbours:
- Batteries must be allowed to cool before charging.
- Do not attempt to modify or tamper with the battery.
- Chargers should be unplugged once the battery is charged.
- Never leave it charging unattended or while you are asleep.
- Never charge e-bikes and e-scooters in your escape route as it will block your escape if it does become a fire.
- You should always make sure you unplug your charger once it’s finished charging.
- Batteries and chargers should be checked to ensure they meet UK safety standards.
- Only use original manufacturers' chargers bought from a reputable seller.
Should the worst happen and your bike starts to smoke, evacuate the room immediately – an explosion can occur within seconds.
Should you have any concerns around fire safety in your building, please get in touch with us. And if you spot an e-bike/scooter in the communal areas of your building, please report it to our customer service team.
For further guidance, visit our Fire Safety webpage.