E-Bike Fires “Tearing Through Homes”, a Warning for Businesses with Communal Areas

This past year has seen a significant increase in the number of lithium-ion battery fires, with the Welsh Fire and Rescue Service announcing they present the “fastest growing” risk of fires, and a Electrical Safety First spokesperson saying they are "tearing through homes".

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed that between 2022 and 2024, the number of lithium-ion battery fires in the UK increased by 93%, with the majority stemming from e-bikes. A report from Electrical Safety First also found that, on average, an e-bike or e-scooter fire occurs every two days in London.

The growing use of e-bikes and e-scooters in daily life necessitates that businesses be proactive in their preparations.

e-Bike Fires in Businesses

Lithium-ion battery fires are the result of thermal runaway, a chemical reaction which results in an accelerating increase in temperature. This commonly occurs due to impact damage, overcharging, and other factors.

The general advice is businesses should limit any charging of unapproved e-bikes in the workplace, as there is no discernible way to manage and protect against this effectively. Ensure that any regularly used chargers undergo a PAT test.

Brenig Moore, Technical Director at Astutis, believes this to be a risk that businesses cannot ignore:

“e-Bikes and e-Scooters powered by lithium-ion batteries present a serious risk for businesses with communal areas and large numbers of employees on-site if they are not managed proactively. It is imperative that all organisations assess the use and storage of them to ensure no undue risk is present. Be sure to check any nearby communal areas where they might be stored, such as bike sheds, hallways, corridors and foyers.”

Be sure to engage with your workforce to identify any potential areas of concern that require attention in a fire risk assessment.

If any concern is identified, it is worth communicating with employees to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with charging or storing an e-bike or e-scooter in the workplace.

For those who might be using them, the Office for Product Safety and Standards recommends the following:

• Research – only buy an e-bike, e-scooter, charger or battery from a known seller and check any product reviews.
• Read – always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using e-bikes or e-scooters.
• Check – not all e-bike or e-scooter batteries and chargers are compatible or safe when used together. Check and only use the manufacturer’s recommended battery or charger.
• Charge – always charge in a safe place without blocking exits, and always unplug your charger when you have finished charging
• Never – attempt to modify or tamper with your battery.

Consequences of e-Bike Fires

Fires connected to lithium-ion batteries can be particularly dangerous, as they can lead to an almost explosive-like fire. If damaged or crushed, they can release flammable electrolytes, leading to intense fires that are very difficult to stop once they start.

Are e-Bikes Covered in Fire Legislation?

Calls for government action have been growing. Liberal Democrat MP Clive Jones has recently urged ministers to ensure that e-bike and e-scooter products are addressed within the new Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, which aims to tighten safety rules for online sales.

However, it is alarming that current regulations around e-Bike fire safety are disjointed and inconsistent. The London Fire Brigade, told The Independent:

“At the moment, there is not the same level of regulation of products for e-bikes and e-scooters sold via online marketplaces or auction sites when compared to high street shops, so we cannot be confident that products meet the correct safety standard.”

This ambiguity cannot be present in legislation that is designed to keep people safe. It also creates challenges for regulators in enforcement.

To ensure employees understand their responsibilities for fire safety in the workplace, it is important that you keep training up to date. We offer Fire Warden, and Fire Risk Assessment and Fire Safety Management training for employees to give them a basic understanding of their responsibilities in fire safety and those of your organisation as well. For individuals with fire safety responsibilities, we would recommend the NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety.

To keep up to date with the latest news in occupational health and safety, head over to our Astutis Knowledge Hub for the latest expert insights and industry discussion points.