Fire safety tips: e-bikes and e-scooters

Three minute read

Published: 10 Nov 2023

The number of electric bikes and scooters has grown rapidly over the last few years. They are a popular form of transport and easy to power using rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs. However, The London Fire Brigade has recently warned everyone that they have seen a huge spike in fires as a direct result of e-bikes and scooters.

When charging e-bikes and scooters, it is important that you do so safely to avoid the risk of a fire occurring and putting yourself, your family, and your neighbours at risk.

Here are some top tips for charging your e-bike or e-scooter battery pack:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and always unplug your charger when it has finished charging.
Charge your battery pack whilst you are awake and alert. Do not charge your battery pack overnight while you are asleep, or away from home.
Always use an approved manufacturers battery pack and/or charger for the e-bike or e-scooter. Should the need arise, please buy an official replacement battery pack and/or charger from a reputable dealer.
Regularly inspect your battery pack, checking for damage or warning signs that it might be failing and becoming a fire risk.
Do not cover chargers or battery packs when charging as this could lead to overheating.
Do not charge your battery pack or store your e-bike or e-scooter near combustible or flammable materials.
Do not overcharge the battery pack.
Do not overload socket outlets or use inappropriate extension leads.
Ensure you have a working smoke alarm located in the area that you are charging your e-bike, e-scooter or individual battery pack.

Please note: residents are not permitted to store or charge e-bikes or e-scooters in communal areas as they are not only a potential fire risk, but can also block emergency exit routes. Residents are also not permitted to charge battery packs individually in communal areas due to the inherent fire risk.

For more information on how to safely charge your e-bike or e-scooter, please visit the London Fire Brigade's website.