On average in 2023 we've been called to an e-bike or e-scooter fire once every two days. In 2022, we attended 87 e-bike and 29 e-scooter fires, a total of 116 fires. The risk of fire is increased when charging unsafe or damaged batteries.
How can you reduce the risk of fire when you charge an e-bike or e-scooter?
There a number of ways you can reduce the risks when charging lithium batteries:
- Don’t block your exit with charging batteries or e-bike and e-scooters. If a fire breaks out, you won’t be able to safely leave your home. Store them in a shed or garage where possible
- Keep an eye out for warning signs that your battery might be failing and becoming a fire risk
- Never leave your battery to charge when you are out or whilst you sleep
- Make sure your battery and charger meet UK safety standards
- Use the correct charger for your battery, and make sure to buy from a reputable seller
- Let you battery cool before charging it
- Unplug your charger once the battery has charged
- Fit smoke alarms in the area where you charge your batteries
