Charge safe. Keep your home safe when charging an electric bike or scooter

There has been an increase in serious fires in homes in the UK caused by faulty lithium batteries or chargers for e-scooters, electric bikes and other devices.

On average in 2023, the London Fire Brigade has been called to an e-bike or e-scooter fire every two days. In 2022, the London Fire Brigade attended 116 fires caused by e-bikes and scooters, many of which were in people’s homes.

If you have an e-bike or e-scooter, please follow this guidance:

• Where possible, avoid charging e-bikes and e-scooters inside

• The storing or charging of mobilty scooters, e-bikes and e-scooters in communal areas is prohibited, as this can affect people’s ability to escape

• Charge batteries while you are at home, awake and alert. Do not charge them overnight

• Avoid charging near flammable materials.

• Ensure your smoke alarms are working

• Always use the manufacturer approved charger and unplug it after use

• Regularly check the charger and battery for any signs of damage

• Do not overcharge your battery

• Do not overload plug sockets

• Do not cover the charger or battery while charging

• Dispose of damaged batteries properly – do not throw them in a bin

The warning signs your e-bike or e-bike battery is a fire hazard:

Heat: It’s normal for batteries to generate heat when charging or in use. However if your device’s battery feels extremely hot to the touch, it may be defective and start a fire.

Noise: Failing lithium batteries have also been reported to make hissing or cracking sounds.

Smoke: If your battery or device is smoking, a fire has already started.

Bulging: A battery bulging or swelling out of shape is a common sign of it failing. If your battery looks swollen, you should stop using it immediately.

Smell: If you notice a strong or unusual smell coming from the battery, this could also be a sign of it failing.

Performance: A failure to fully charge or longer charge times can be a sign that your battery is failing.

What you should do if your lithium battery is a fire risk:

If your battery shows any of these signs of failing, Immediately turn off the device and unplug it from the power source. Call the device manufacturer or retailer for further instructions.

If the device starts smoking or catches fire, raise the alarm, get out, stay out and call 999 immediately. If you’ve spotted the warning signs, make sure you report your faulty battery to your local Trading Standards office.

In the event of a lithium battery fire, do not attempt to extinguish it – get out, stay out and call 999.