Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in e-scooters and e-bikes have increased four-fold since 2020, resulting in deaths, hospitalisations, homelessness, and staggering financial losses. Since 2020, over 190 people have been injured, and at least 13 lives have been lost due to this tragic trend.
The UK is now facing a disturbing projection of nearly one e-bike or e-scooter fire per day this year, a significant leap from just over one per week in 2020.
According to the London Fire Brigade, on average there was a fire every two days in 2023 in London. London Fire Brigade attended 143 e-bike fires along with 36 blazes involving e-scooters. Sadly, there were 3 deaths and around 60 injuries caused by these fires.
Many of these fires are caused by incompatible chargers, modifications to e-bikes, or faulty or counterfeit products which are purchased online. This includes chargers, lithium batteries and conversion kits for e-bikes.
London Fire Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign wants to prevent fires in e-bikes and e-scooters and give simple safety tips to reduce the risk to the public and firefighters.
The following 2 heart-breaking stories provide sobering reminder of how e-Bike fires can cause devastation to victims and their families.
Sofias Story
Sofia Duarte was 21 years old when she lost her life in an e-bike fire on New Years Day.
Her family described her as a fun-loving girl that enjoyed dancing, spending time with friends and travelling. Sophia worked in a night club and when she finished work on 1 January she went to stay at the flat.
Scott’s Story
Scott Peden, lost his partner Gemma, 31, and their two young children, Lilly, 8, and Oliver, 4, during a fire that was caused by the battery for an e-bike purchased online.
Their two dogs also lost their lives in the fire, which left Scott in a coma for a month. He has since been campaigning to raise awareness of the potential dangers.
How can you reduce the risk of fire when you charge an e-bike or e-scooter?
The majority of fires related to e-bikes and e-scooter have happened in homes. These fires are often caused when charging batteries.
Some ways to reduce risks include:
- Allowing batteries to cool down before attempting to recharge
- Charge batteries on hard flat surfaces where heat can dissipate
- Batteries should never be exposed to extreme temperatures
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions when charging
- Never block your escape route with e-bikes or scooters
- Never charge it unattended or while you are asleep.
Read this guide published by the London Fire Brigade: https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/lithium-batteries/charging-electric-bike-and-electric-scooter-lithium-batteries/
The warning signs your e-bike or e-bike battery is a fire hazard
Before a failing lithium battery catches fire, there are often a few warning signs. If you see any of these signs. You will need to take immediate action to stay safe and reduce the risk of fire. Signs you should look out for include:
- If the battery feels extremely hot to the touch it may be defective
- If the battery is making any hissing or cracking sounds
- If you smell something unusual coming from the battery
- If the battery is taking longer to charge or is not fully charging
- If your battery or e-bike/ e-scooter is smoking then a fire has already started.
Read this guide for more information: https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/lithium-batteries/electric-scooter-and-electric-bike-batteries-spotting-the-risks/
What to do if your lithium battery catches fire
- Get out
- Raise the alarm and call 999 immediately
- Stay out and do not try to tackle the fire yourself
