E-bike and E-scooter safety

E-Bike and E-Scooter fires are on the increase. This weekend (25th and 26th October 2025) has seen three house fires caused by the catastrophic failure of lithium batteries. When a lithium battery fails the resulting fire can be ferocious, out of control and spread quickly causing danger to life and destruction of homes and their contents.

Many battery fires are caused by incompatible chargers, modifications to e-bikes and counterfeit products. E-bike conversions to standard bicycles are a particular concern, especially those in a kit form where the battery and charger are purchased separately. Most bike fires happen in homes, when they are being charged. The issue is particularly concerning where the home is a flat, particularly if the bike or scooter is being charged in a communal hallway, which would usually act as the block’s fire escape route.

We offer the following advice to e-bike and e-scooter owners, or those thinking of buying one.

• Buy from a reputable seller, do not buy second-hand
• Avoid e-bike and e-scooter conversion kits. These might not adhere to UK regulations.
• Ensure there is a UKCA stamp to show that the e-bike or e-scooter meets UK safety standards.
• Do not modify or tamper with the battery, motor or charger, and always use the correct charger.
• Never charge your e-bike or scooter in a communal hallway or where it might block an escape route, and avoid charging inside the home at all if you can.
• Use the correct charger for the battery
• Do not leave the battery charging whilst unattended or while you are asleep
• Do not use a visually damaged battery and try to ensure that the battery does not get knocked or damaged whilst in use.
• Ensure you and your family have an escape plan in the event of a fire
• Ensure you have working smoke detectors in the area where you charge your batteries.

Most home insurance policies will cover the damage caused to the home by a lithium battery fire but of course no money can make-up for the memories lost and the time and disruption even a small fire can bring, let alone the potential for injury or even loss of life.

The London Fire Brigade have launched a ChargeSafe campaign. We would urge anyone with an e-bike or scooter to visit their website here: https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/lithium-batteries/

For more information on Lithium batteries and the warning signs please read our article: Lithium batteries and home insurance

To speak to us about your home insurance call 020 8256 4901 or email privateclients@howdeninsurance.co.uk