The Rise of E-Bike Fires in the UK: What Electricians and Homeowners Need to Know 

E-bikes and e-scooters have quickly become a familiar sight on UK streets. They offer an affordable and greener way to travel, particularly in crowded cities where congestion charges, fuel costs, and low-emission zones make cars less attractive. But alongside the benefits, fire services have raised serious concerns: lithium-ion battery fires are on the rise, and the consequences can be devastating. 

The scale of the problem 

London Fire Brigade (LFB) has described e-bikes and e-scooters as the capital’s fastest-growing fire risk. In 2023 alone, they attended 183 fires caused by these devices, compared with just five incidents in 2018. That’s a 3,500% increase in five years. 

To put it another way, fire crews in London now attend an e-bike or e-scooter fire every two days. And since these stats only reflect London, the nationwide figure is u ndoubtedly far higher. Other fire services, from Greater Manchester to the West Midlands, are reporting similar surges. 

One major factor is affordability. Online retailers now sell cheap e-bikes and replacement batteries with little quality control. Imported batteries often lack proper testing, leading to risks of overheating, overcharging, or even counterfeit safety markings. 

How lithium-ion fires start 

E-bikes and e-scooters rely on lithium-ion batteries, the same technology found in smartphones and laptops. But while most people understand the risk of a phone battery swelling or overheating, few realise that e-bike batteries contain much larger energy stores. 

When damaged, poorly made, or incorrectly charged, these batteries can enter a state known as thermal runaway. This means: 

• Heat builds up inside the battery cells 

• Flammable gases are released 

• The gases ignite, producing rapid flames 

• The fire sustains itself because the battery generates oxygen 

This process can turn a single bike into an inferno within minutes. Fires spread quickly through homes, especially when bikes are stored in hallways or flats where escape routes are limited. 

Aviva research shows 71% of UK adults don’t know the warning signs of a failing lithium-ion battery, which makes prevention even harder. 

Warning signs of battery failure 

Common indicators that an e-bike battery is unsafe include: 

• Swelling, bulging, or deformation of the casing 

• A strong chemical or metallic smell 

• Heat build-up during charging, even when not in use 

• Visible scorch marks or leaking fluid 

• A charger that gets excessively hot or makes unusual noises 

Once any of these signs appear, the safest action is to stop using the battery immediately and arrange safe disposal. 

Reducing the risk at home 

Although the fire risk can’t be eliminated completely, electricians and homeowners can reduce it s ignificantly with proper precautions. 

Charging practices 

• Use only the manufacturer-supplied charger 

• Place the bike or scooter on a flat, hard surface when charging 

• Unplug once the battery is fully charged 

• Never leave charging unattended or overnight 

• Avoid extension leads and cheap adapters that may overload circuits 

Battery care 

• Don’t tamper with or modify battery packs 

• Avoid knocks or drops during use or transport 

• Allow the battery to cool after long rides before charging 

• Store away from extreme temperatures, damp, or direct sunlight 

• Dispose of faulty or expired batteries through approved recycling schemes, never household waste 

Home fire safety 

• Never charge or store an e-bike in hallways or escape routes 

• Fit smoke alarms in areas where charging occurs 

• Keep a clear path to exits in case of fire 

• Don’t attempt to extinguish a lithium-ion fire yourself — get out, stay out, and call 999 

Why electricians should take note 

For UK electricians, this is more than a domestic safety issue. Clients are increasingly asking about safe charging setups, whether that means installing dedicated outlets in garages or advising on correct circuit loads. 

Commercial landlords are also looking for solutions, from fire-safe charging bays in apartment blocks to enhanced smoke detection systems. Electricians who understand these risks — and can provide practical safety upgrades — will be in demand. 

There’s also crossover with the renewable energy sector. As more UK homes and businesses install battery storage systems, the lessons learned from e-bike fires apply directly to safe handling of larger lithium-ion units. 

Where things are heading 

The government has already introduced tighter safety requirements on e-bike and e-scooter imports, with new standards for manufacturers and distributors. But regulation often lags behind consumer demand. Until enforcement is consistent, unsafe batteries will continue to enter the market. 

Public awareness is also limited. Campaigns from LFB and the Association of British Insurers have started to highlight the dangers, but most people still see e-bikes as harmless compared with other electrical equipment. 

The reality is that e-bikes combine affordability with accessibility, meaning thousands of households now have powerful lithium-ion packs charging in kitchens, bedrooms, and corridors. Unless awareness improves, the fire service expects incidents to rise further. 

Stay informed and prepared 

For electricians, staying ahead of these risks is part of being a trusted professional. Whether it’s educating clients, installing safer charging points, or spotting warning signs during routine inspections, sparks are on the frontline of prevention. 

And for homeowners, the message is clear: treat e-bike batteries with the same caution you would any high-voltage system. Charging safely, disposing of batteries correctly, and being alert to warning signs could make the difference between a close call and a catastrophic fire. 

Learn more with Elec Training 

At Elec Training, we build health and safety awareness into every c ourse, from entry-level to advanced qualifications. Our resources cover real-world risks, including lithium-ion safety, so learners leave with practical knowledge they can apply on site. 

Explore further: 

• Access Equipment 5 

• Electrician Courses Handsworth 

• Access Equipment 6 

• Electrician Courses Wrexham 

You can also find our full training and safety guidance on the Elec Training homepage. 

Why are e-bike and e-scooter fires increasing in the UK? 

E-bike and e-scooter fires in the UK have surged due to rapid a doption of these devices (over 1 million e-bikes sold in 2024), coupled with widespread use of substandard lithium-ion batteries from unregulated online sellers, leading to thermal runaway incidents. London Fire Brigade reported 407 fires in 2024—more than quadruple the 2020 figure—with 167 by May 2025, reflecting a national 93% rise in lithium-ion fires from 2022-2024, claiming 21 lives and injuring 226. Key drivers include poor-quality imports lacking safety features (e.g., overcharge protection), DIY modifications boosting power unsafely, and unsafe practices like overnight charging or indoor storage near flammables—59% of owners report heightened fears post-purchase. The NFCC attributes this to unchecked e-commerce sales, with fires often in homes or flats, exacerbating risks in multi-occupancy buildings. Elec Training addresses this in its safety modules, urging electricians to educate clients on certified setups during home charging installs to curb the trend. 

What makes lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes so dangerous? 

Lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes are dangerous due to their high energy density (packing more power in compact sizes), sensitivity to abuse like overcharging or physical damage, and potential for rapid failure releasing flammable electrolytes and toxic gases. Unlike lead-acid batteries, Li-ion cells use reactive lithium compounds that, when compromised, generate intense heat and oxygen, fueling self-sustaining fires resistant to standard extinguishers. Substandard cells from cheap imports often lack built-in protections like BMS (battery management systems) against voltage spikes, while extreme temperatures (hot/cold) or punctures trigger chemical reactions. In the UK, this has led to “zombie batteries” igniting in waste streams, with fires burning at 2,500°C and producing hydrogen cyanide. Elec Training’s CPD courses cover Li-ion hazards, training electricians to assess and install safe charging points compliant with BS 7671 to mitigate these risks. 

What is “thermal runaway” and how does it cause fires? 

Thermal runaway is a self-accelerating chain reaction in lithium-ion batteries where an initial fault (e.g., short circuit, overcharge) causes rapid temperature rise, leading to cell breakdown, gas release, and ignition—often within seconds, producing intense fires that reignite even after extinguishing. It starts with exothermic reactions generating heat faster than dissipation, vaporizing electrolytes into flammable gases (hydrogen, hydrocarbons) that explode or burn at 1,000-2,500°C, spreading to adjacent cells in a pack. Triggers include manufacturing defects or abuse, with no off-switch once initiated. In e-bikes, this causes the 93% UK fire rise, as seen in London’s 167 incidents by mid-2025. Elec Training explains this in fault-finding modules, equipping electricians to identify at-risk systems during inspections. 

What are the main warning signs of a failing e-bike battery? 

Main warning signs of a failing e-bike battery include swelling or bulging casings (gas buildup), excessive heat during charge/use (>45°C), unusual odors (sweet burning), reduced range/power (sudden drops), slow charging times, erratic performance (cutouts under load), and visible damage like leaks or discoloration. Error codes on displays or rapid draining post-charge signal internal faults. Stop use immediately if spotted, as these precede thermal runaway. Elec Training teaches these diagnostics in its NVQ Level 3, helping electricians advise clients during home assessments to prevent incidents. 

How should e-bike and e-scooter batteries be charged safely? 

Charge e-bike and e-scooter batteries using the manufacturer’s certified charger on a non-flammable surface (e.g., concrete), supervised while awake, unplugged once full, and never overnight or unattended to avoid overcharge risks. Limit to 80% charge if possible, avoid direct sunlight or extension cords, and ensure good ventilation away from flammables. UK fire services like LFB’s #ChargeSafe campaign stress these for the 211 annual fires. Elec Training’s safety training includes charger compatibility checks, preparing electricians for secure domestic setups. 

What precautions should homeowners take when storing or charging e-bikes indoors? 

Homeowners should store/charge e-bikes in cool, dry, ventilated areas away from escape routes, flammables, or bedrooms, using fire-resistant covers if needed, and never block doors/hallways. Install smoke alarms with lithium-specific sensors, avoid stacking, and inspect for damage weekly. NFCC and Fire England advise against lofts or garages if unventilated. Elec Training recommends dedicated charging circuits with RCDs, training installers to integrate these precautions for client safety. 

Can damaged or faulty e-bike batteries be repaired, or should they be replaced? 

Damaged or faulty e-bike batteries should generally be replaced rather than repaired, as compromised cells risk thermal runaway even after fixes, though minor issues like loose connections or BMS faults may be professionally repaired at 30-60% of replacement cost. Swollen or punctured packs are non-repairable due to internal instability—seek MCS-accredited disposal. Elec Training advises replacement for safety, with courses on battery assessments to guide clients. 

What should you do if an e-bike battery catches fire? 

If an e-bike battery catches fire, evacuate immediately, raise the alarm, and call 999—do not attempt to extinguish, as lithium fires reignite and require specialist foam or dry agents; stay out and let firefighters handle. Alert neighbors in flats, and avoid water. NFCC and LFB stress “get out, stay out, call 999” for the 211 yearly incidents. Elec Training’s emergency modules prepare electricians to advise on fire plans for client installs. 

How can electricians support safer e-bike charging setups in homes and commercial buildings? 

Electricians can support safer setups by installing dedicated 13A circuits with RCD protection (30mA) and surge guards for charging points, ensuring compliance with BS 7671 and Part P, while advising on UL-certified chargers and battery storage away from flammables. In commercial spaces, integrate fire-rated enclosures or external points. Elec Training’s Level 3 courses cover these, including risk assessments and MCS certification for EV-adjacent installs, reducing fire risks amid 2025’s e-mobility boom. 

What future regulations or safety standards are being introduced for e-bikes and e-scooters in the UK? 

In 2025-2026, UK regulations include statutory lithium-ion battery guidelines (effective Dec 2024) mandating safety mechanisms like overcharge protection and thermal cutoffs for e-bikes to prevent runaway, plus e-scooter trials extended to May 2026 with construction standards for type approval if legalized. Private e-scooters remain illegal, but DfT consultations eye 2026 legalization with speed limits (15.5mph), reflectors, and bans on mods. Elec Training updates curricula for these, training on compliant charging to meet emerging standards.