E-bike and e-scooters are London’s fastest-growing fire trend
E-bikes and e-scooters provide a convenient way to navigate the city, but if their batteries become damaged or malfunction, they can ignite extremely intense fires in a matter of seconds.
Most e-bike and e-scooter fires occur in homes, often while the batteries are being charged.
When batteries are charged in shared spaces or escape routes, a fire can quickly obstruct exits, putting lives at risk.
These incidents are frequently linked to the use of incompatible chargers, modifications to e-bikes, or defective or counterfeit products purchased online. This includes chargers, lithium batteries, and e-bike conversion kits.
Find out more at The London Fire Brigade's #ChargeSafe website.
Charging your e-bike or e-scooter safely
You can significantly lower the risk of fire when charging lithium batteries by following these guidelines:
- Always use the correct charger designed specifically for your battery, as using an incorrect one can drastically increase the likelihood of a fire.
- Purchase replacement chargers only from reputable and trusted sellers to ensure safety and reliability.
- Using the wrong charger can overload the battery, potentially causing it to fail and start a dangerous fire.
- Avoid general "multi-plug" chargers designed for various models unless they are explicitly approved by the battery manufacturer. These chargers may not deliver the correct power for your battery and could greatly increase the risk of a fire.
#ChargeSafe: How to charge e-bikes & e-scooters safely
Warning signs that your e-bike or its battery may be a fire hazard
Heat: While it’s normal for batteries to warm up during use or charging, a battery that becomes extremely hot to the touch may be defective and at risk of starting a fire.
Bulging or swelling: A battery that is bulging, swollen, or leaking is a clear sign of failure. If you notice any of these issues, stop using the battery immediately. Keep an eye out for lumps, cracks, or any irregular changes in its shape.
Noises: Hissing, cracking, or popping sounds coming from a battery could indicate that it’s failing and becoming dangerous.
Smell: A strange or strong smell coming from the battery is another warning sign that it might be faulty and at risk of igniting.
Poor performance: If your battery is no longer charging fully, takes much longer to charge, or discharges unusually quickly, it could be failing.
Smoke: If your battery or device is smoking, a fire has already started and you should get out, raise the alarm and call 999.
#ChargeSafe: Spotting the warning signs