London is witnessing a worrying rise in fires linked to e-bike and e-scooter batteries, prompting safety officials to intensify awareness efforts as incidents have become almost daily occurrences.
According to recent reports from the London Fire Brigade (LFB), lithium-ion battery failures have become one of the fastest-growing fire risks in the city, often erupting without warning and spreading with explosive force.
In response, authorities have renewed the #ChargeSafe campaign to educate riders on safe charging, handling, and storage practices. The campaign comes at a critical time: firefighters say they are responding to e-bike and e-scooter fires “every other day,” with several incidents resulting in serious injuries, property loss, and even fatalities.
A newly released awareness video features London firefighters and fire investigators explaining how quickly a lithium battery can enter thermal runaway. In this chain reaction, heat, fire, and potentially explosions occur within seconds. Investigators note that many of the fires start while the vehicle is charging indoors, often in hallways or bedrooms, turning minor ignition points into life-threatening situations.
Safety officials emphasized that while e-bikes and e-scooters themselves are not inherently dangerous, poor-quality batteries, incompatible chargers, and unauthorized modifications remain the leading causes of accidents. Many of the most severe incidents have involved aftermarket or cheaply imported batteries that fail to meet safety standards.
To tackle the growing threat, the #ChargeSafe campaign is urging riders to follow a set of critical precautions:
- Buy from reputable sellers: Cheap, uncertified batteries and chargers significantly increase the risk of fire.
- Use the correct charger: Mismatched chargers can overheat cells or overcharge the battery.
- Allow batteries to cool before charging: Charging immediately after use stresses the battery and raises the risk of failure.
- Avoid tampering with or modifying battery packs: DIY modifications or boosting capacity can destabilize the internal cells.
- Install smoke alarms where charging takes place: Early detection can prevent injuries and give residents time to escape.
Fire investigators warn that once a lithium-ion battery ignites, the fire spreads so rapidly that escape routes can become blocked within seconds. They advise anyone facing such a blaze not to attempt extinguishing it themselves, but instead to leave immediately and call emergency services.
As e-bikes continue to rise in popularity both for commuting and delivery work, LFB is urging riders to treat their battery systems with the same caution they would any high-energy electrical device. Safety officials hope that with better awareness and stricter adherence to charging guidelines, the number of dangerous incidents across London can be significantly reduced.
A Message
The message from London’s fire services is clear: better habits and responsible buying decisions can save property, prevent injuries, and ultimately save lives.
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