Another warning issued over e-bike safety after more fires

Another urgent warning is being issued by the London Fire Service following yet more fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters over the bank holiday weekend.

In both incidents people have to be rescued from properties when these vehicles set alight.

The first fire occurred at a semi-detached house on Middleton Road in Dalston in the early hours of Sunday (April 9). Half of a staircase was damaged by fire. One man was rescued by firefighters from the first floor. He was treated for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service crews. Another person left the house before firefighters arrived.

The second fire took place the following day (April 10) on the ground floor of a three-storey house of multiple occupation on Barrow Road in Streatham. Two men were led to safety by firefighters using fire escape hoods via an internal staircase. One woman and three children left the house before crews arrived.

So far this year the London fire service is currently dealing on average with fires linked to e-bikes and e-scooters every other day, which is a 60% increase compare to the same period last year. It has led to the brigade launching the #ChargeSafe campaign which aims to highlight the fire risks associated with lithium batteries which are commonly used in these vehicles.

Deputy Commissioner Dom Ellis said: "Investigators believe a converted e-bike caught fire at the house in Dalston and we understand the bike's batteries were purchased online second-hand.

"The bike was on charge at the time and due to where it was being charged, blocked an escape route and a man had to be rescued by our firefighters via a short extension ladder.

“It is vital that you never block your escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters. And the only way to be sure of a legal, safe and reliable e-bike is to buy one in complete form, from a trusted and reputed retailer.

"Meanwhile, at the incident on Barrow Road, a smoking e-scooter was moved by an occupant from a room to a communal area of the house where the fire then spread.

"Moving the scooter significantly increased the risk to everyone inside the house and reaffirms our advice which is if you suspect there is a fire involving these types vehicles, leave it, shut the door, get out and call 999."

According to data collected by the Brigade, most people injured in fires related to e-bikes and e-scooters are in their 20s, and often the fires are in homes where multiple adults are living together without children. The most risky time for e-bike and e-scooter fires to take place are when charging lithium batteries. This is the time that batteries are most likely to fail.

Safety tips from the London Fire Service

• Never block your escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters.  Store them somewhere away from a main through route. Our advice is to store these items in a safe location if possible, such as a garage or a shed. 
• Do not attempt to modify or tamper with your battery. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Converting pedal bikes into e-bikes using DIY kits bought online can be very dangerous. They pose a higher risk of fire.
• Check your battery and charger meets UK safety standards.  Watch out for signs that the battery or charger aren’t working as they should – if it’s hot to the touch or has changed shape. 
• Always use the correct charger and buy an official one from a reputable seller.   We have particular concern where batteries have been purchased from online marketplaces and when they've been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards.   
• Let the battery cool before charging.  Batteries can get warm during their use and it is advisable to allow them to cool down before attempting to re-charge as they could be more susceptible to failure.
• Unplug your charger once it’s finished charging.  Always follow manufacturers’ instructions when charging and we would advise not to leave it unattended or while people are asleep.
• Fit alarms where you charge. Ensure you have smoke alarms fitted in areas where e-bikes or e-scooters are being charged and make sure they are tested regularly.

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