Buy Safe, Be Safe: Is Your New E-Bike or E-Scooter Dangerous? 

With festive sales and online bargains, more people in the UK are turning to e-bikes and e-scooters. But alongside the growth comes risk. The Government’s ‘Buy Safe, Be Safe’ campaign warns that counterfeit or unsafe models pose serious fire hazards — particularly when fitted with poorly manufactured lithium-ion batteries. 

For electricians, trainers, and consumers, this is a timely reminder of why safety knowledge matters. 

What is the ‘Buy Safe, Be Safe’ campaign? 

The initiative was launched to raise awareness of fires linked to unsafe e-bikes and e-scooters. Its advice is simple but vital: 

• Buy only from trusted suppliers. 

• Look for UKCA or CE safety markings. 

• Use the correct charger. 

• Never modify batteries or use incompatible parts. 

As London Fire Brigade data shows, reported e-bike fires jumped from just 5 in 2018 to 183 incidents in 2023 — a staggering increase in only five years. Most were linked to battery failures where overheating released flammable gases. 

Why e-bikes and e-scooters can be dangerous 

The primary risk lies in lithium-ion batteries. When they fail, they can overheat, swell, and release gas that ignites. Fires spread fast, putting both property and lives at risk. 

E-scooters also carry wider concerns: inconsistent road regulations, higher accident rates, and even reported links to criminal misuse due to their speed and mobility. 

How to reduce the risks 

Buy from reputable sources 

Counterfeit and non-compliant products cut corners. Risks increase when vehicles are: 

• Sold without UKCA or CE markings. 

• Damaged or poorly made. 

• Paired with cheap, incompatible chargers. 

• Modified with unsafe parts. 

Buying from a recognised supplier ensures your purchase meets basic UK safety standards. 

Safe use and maintenance 

Practical steps can prevent fires: 

• Follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions. 

• Unplug batteries after charging — don’t leave them running overnight. 

• Inspect batteries for swelling, overheating, or damage. 

• Never tamper with or modify batteries. 

• Keep chargers and vehicles away from flammable materials. 

• Always have a working smoke or heat alarm in charging areas. 

Recognise battery failure early 

Warning signs include: 

• Longer charging times. 

• Unexpected power-offs. 

• Rapid loss of charge. 

• Overheating during charging or use. 

• Bulging or swelling of the casing. 

Spotting these early can prevent an accident. Faulty batteries should be replaced and disposed of safely. 

Why this matters to electricians 

Understanding risks around lithium-ion batteries is becoming an essential skill. From household installs to renewables, sparks are already handling storage systems that use similar technology. 

Articles like Ways to Remove a Stripped Screw may look like everyday trade tips, but the bigger picture is clear: precision and safety run through all aspects of the job. 

Meanwhile, new training opportunities are emerging. Solar PV courses show how sparks can upskill for the energy transition, while understanding risks linked to storage and charging. 

And for those thinking of going independent, knowing how to handle customer queries about safety is part of running a business. Electrician’s Guide to Going Self-Employed explains how to manage responsibilities that extend beyond installation work. 

For anyone comparing job prospects, Electricians’ Rates in the UK shows how skills tied to safety and green energy translate into strong wages. 

Moving forward 

E-bikes and e-scooters are here to stay, but they highlight the importance of buying safe and staying safe. For electricians, the lessons are wider: training, compliance, and awareness of modern risks are critical as our energy systems evolve. 

At Elec Training, we prepare learners not just for exams, but for real-world safety issues. Visit Elec Training to explore courses that help you build both technical knowledge and the awareness needed in today’s changing industry. 

Why are e-bike and e-scooter batteries a fire risk? 

E-bike and e-scooter batteries pose a significant fire risk primarily due to their lithium-ion composition, which can enter thermal runaway—a self-sustaining reaction where overheating leads to explosions, intense flames, and toxic gases that are hard to extinguish with standard methods. In the UK, incidents have surged: Freedom of Information data shows a 93% increase in lithium-ion battery fires from 2022 to 2024, with 211 e-bike and e-scooter fires in 2024 alone, per London Fire Brigade records. Poor-quality components from disreputable sellers exacerbate this, as substandard cells or chargers fail under stress, causing overcharging or short circuits. Modifications, like DIY conversions, account for 40% of fires, while physical damage from drops or punctures triggers reactions. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) warns that these batteries can “explode” rapidly, spreading fire quickly in homes or blocks of flats. Elec Training emphasizes that electricians installing charging points must advise clients on these risks, as unchecked batteries contribute to growing residential hazards amid the UK’s net-zero push for micromobility. 

What safety marks should I look for when buying an e-bike or e-scooter? 

When purchasing an e-bike or e-scooter in the UK, prioritize products with verified safety marks to ensure c ompliance with electrical and fire standards, reducing risks from faulty batteries or components. The UKCA or CE mark is mandatory under product safety regulations, confirming the device meets health, safety, and environmental requirements for mechanical and electrical integrity. For batteries and systems, seek UL 2849 certification, which tests the entire e-bike drive train, battery, and charger for fire and electrical hazards—essential as it goes beyond basic EU standards. Additional endorsements like BS EN 15194 for e-bikes verify pedal-assist functionality and battery safety. The Office for Product Safety and Standards recommends checking for these on the product and packaging, avoiding unbranded imports lacking traceability. Elec Training advises electricians to educate clients on these during home installations, as certified products lower fire incidents by ensuring robust protection against thermal runaway. 

Can I leave my e-bike or e-scooter charging overnight? 

No, leaving an e-bike or e-scooter charging overnight is strongly discouraged by UK fire services due to the heightened risk of lithium-ion battery failure, which could ignite unattended and spread rapidly. The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Fire England recommend charging only while awake and in the same room, never in bedrooms, hallways, or escape routes, as batteries can overheat from faulty chargers or damaged cells, leading to thermal runaway. London Fire Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign stresses unplugging once full to prevent prolonged exposure, with incidents often occurring during unsupervised overnight sessions. Instead, charge on a non-flammable surface away from flammables, using the manufacturer’s charger, and monitor for heat or smells. Elec Training’s courses highlight this for electricians advising on domestic setups, noting that supervised charging aligns with Electricity at Work Regulations and could prevent the 211 UK fires recorded in 2024. 

What are the warning signs of a faulty lithium-ion battery? 

Faulty lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes or e-scooters exhibit clear warning signs that demand immediate action to avert thermal runaway and fires, as outlined by safety experts like the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). Key indicators include swelling or bulging casings from gas buildup, excessive heat during use or charging (beyond 40-45°C), unusual odors like a sweet electrical burning smell, discoloration (e.g., yellowing or blackening), leaks of electrolyte fluid, or hissing/noises from internal reactions. Reduced performance, such as sudden power drops or inconsistent range, may signal cell degradation. London Fire Brigade advises stopping use instantly if spotted, isolating the battery, and seeking professional disposal. Elec Training incorporates these diagnostics in its NVQ modules, training electricians to identify them during inspections, as early detection can prevent the 93% rise in UK battery fires from 2022-2024. 

Are cheap or unbranded chargers safe to use? 

Cheap or unbranded chargers for e-bikes and e-scooters are generally unsafe, posing severe fire and shock risks due to poor manufacturing standards and incompatibility with battery systems, as evidenced by UK investigations. The Guardian reported in 2023 (trends persisting into 2025) that substandard chargers on Amazon, eBay, and Wish.com often have faulty plugs or wiring, contributing to sharp rises in blazes—40% linked to low-quality accessories per insurance data. Electrical Safety First warns that mismatched voltage or amperage can overcharge cells, triggering thermal runaway, while lacking certifications like UL or CE increases short-circuit chances. The Fire Protection Association notes these pose “the wrong spark” risks, especially in conversions. Elec Training urges using manufacturer-supplied chargers in its safety training, as electricians fitting home setups must verify compatibility to comply with BS 7671 and avoid liability in the 211 annual UK incidents. 

How should I safely dispose of a damaged e-bike or e-scooter battery? 

Safely disposing of a damaged e-bike or e-scooter battery requires specialized handling to prevent fires in waste streams, as “zombie batteries” (dead but reactive lithium-ion units) can ignite when crushed. Electrical Safety First’s 2025 campaign warns against household bins or standard recycling, where punctures spark bin lorry blazes—take them to a council Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) for free, secure processing. GOV.UK and NFCC guidance specifies isolating the battery (disconnect, tape terminals), placing in a fireproof bag if possible, and transporting upright in a ventilated vehicle. Retailers like those via the ETA may offer take-back schemes under producer responsibility laws. Elec Training’s CPD modules teach electricians this protocol for client advice and site disposals, aligning with WEEE regulations to recover valuable materials like cobalt while mitigating the 93% fire surge since 2022. 

Are e-scooters legal to ride on UK roads and pavements? 

In the UK as of 2025, privately owned e-scooters remain illegal to ride on public roads, pavements, or cycle lanes under the Highways Act 1835, classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) without type approval. GOV.UK confirms only rental e-scooters in official trials (e.g., via Lime or Voi) are permitted on roads (except motorways) and cycle lanes, with riders needing a provisional/full driving license, insurance, and helmets—pavements are off-limits, with fines up to £300. Private use risks seizure and points; no changes expected until post-2025 consultations. Metropolitan Police enforcement highlights parks and shopping centers as no-go zones. Elec Training notes electricians should inform clients during charging installs, as illegal mods for speed exacerbate safety risks in the growing micromobility sector. 

What steps reduce the chance of an e-bike fire at home? 

Reducing e-bike fire risks at home involves following UK fire service protocols like Fire England’s five-step #ChargeSafe guide: use only the manufacturer’s certified charger and battery; charge supervised on a non-flammable, stable surface away from f lammables and escape routes; unplug once full to avoid overcharging; store cool and dry, not in bedrooms or lofts; and install smoke/heat alarms with lithium-specific extinguishers nearby. NFCC adds regular inspections for damage and avoiding direct sunlight or overloaded sockets. BBC reports highlight unmodified bikes and proper storage preventing most of the 211 annual fires. Elec Training integrates these in its domestic wiring courses, equipping electricians to recommend RCD-protected outlets and educate on thermal runaway prevention for safer 2025 homes. 

Can modifying an e-bike or e-scooter make it unsafe? 

Yes, modifying an e-bike or e-scooter—such as adding unapproved batteries, upping power beyond 250W, or DIY conversions—significantly heightens safety risks, including fires, instability, and legal issues in the UK. London Fire Brigade data links 40% of incidents to mods, as incompatible components cause overheating or shorts, voiding warranties and breaching EN 15194 standards. FIA warns of surges from online kits lacking certifications, leading to uncontrolled speeds (over 15.5mph) and crashes. GOV.UK’s safety message flags explosion risks from mismatched lithium-ion setups. Elec Training cautions against this in its Level 3 modules, training electricians to spot mods during EICRs and advise on compliant upgrades to mitigate the 93% fire rise. 

Why should electricians understand lithium-ion battery safety? 

Electricians must grasp lithium-ion battery safety due to the exploding demand for e-bike charging installs, EV infrastructure, and domestic renewables, where mishandling risks fires, liability, and non-compliance with BS 7671. British Safety Council reports a 46% UK fire increase in 2023, with daily incidents tied to overcharging or damage—electricians installing sockets face direct exposure. Faraday Institution stresses knowledge of thermal runaway for safe assessments, while Allianz highlights health impacts like toxic f umes. Elec Training’s specialized CPD covers this, enabling pros to conduct risk audits, recommend UL-certified setups, and advise clients, ensuring competency in the net-zero transition and preventing workplace tragedies.