Fire hazards: e-bikes and e-scooters

If you already own an e-bike or e-scooter, or are thinking of buying one for yourself or someone else this Christmas, we have some important safety advice for you. Their large lithium-ion batteries can be a fire risk, so please note the following:

• Buy your e-bike/e-scooter from a reputable seller. If you’ve bought online, it may not meet UK Safety Standards and may have hidden damage.
• Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging it and use the recommended battery and charger.
• Always charge it while you’re awake and alert, not when you’re asleep.
• Don’t overload your power sockets or use inappropriate extension leads. Be sure to unplug it when it’s finished charging.
• Store it in an outside shed or garage. If you do have to keep it indoors, please make sure it doesn’t block your exit.
• Damaged batteries can overheat and catch fire without warning. Check them regularly for signs of damage.
• Know your escape route in case of fire.
• If your e-bike/e-scooter catches fire, don’t try to put it out – get out and call 999.

This year, the London Fire Brigade has reported they’ve been attending an e-bike/e-scooter fire, on average, every two days. In the first eight months of this year, three people lost their lives and 51 people have been injured, all caused by failures of lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes/e-scooters.

Please stay safe this Christmas.