E-bikes and e-scooters
The number of fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters is increasing, posing a real risk to life and property.
Here’s some guidance to help keep you safe.
Take care when charging and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Use the manufacturer’s approved charger. If you see any signs of wear and tear or damage, buy an official replacement charger from a reputable seller.
- Unplug your charger when it’s finished charging and ensure you don’t overcharge your battery – check the manufacturer’s instructions for charge times.
- Always charge batteries whilst you are awake and alert, so if a fire should occur you can respond quickly. Don’t leave batteries to charge while you’re asleep or away from home.
- Chargers and battery packs can overheat, leading to a fire, so never cover them whilst charging.
- Don’t charge batteries or store your e-bike/e-scooter near combustible or flammable materials.
- Do not overload socket outlets or use inappropriate extension leads – use uncoiled extensions and ensure the lead is suitably rated for what you are plugging in to it.
- Ensure you have working smoke alarms. If you charge or store your e-bike/e-scooter in a garage or kitchen, ensure you have heat alarms rather than smoke detectors for these areas.
- In the event of an e-bike/e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire – do not attempt to extinguish the fire. Get out, stay out, call 999.
Storing your e-bike/e-scooter
- Avoid storing, or charging, e-bikes/e-scooters in communal areas of buildings or on escape routes. If there is a fire, it can affect people’s ability to escape.
- Store e-bikes/e-scooters and their batteries in a cool place. Avoid storing them in excessively hot or cold areas.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storing and maintaining lithium-ion batteries if they’re not going to be used for extended periods of time.
Damage and disposal
- Batteries can be damaged by dropping them or by crashing e-bikes/e-scooters. If the battery’s damaged, it can overheat and catch fire without warning. Check your battery regularly for signs of damage and if you suspect it is damaged, replace it – don’t use it or try to charge it.
- If you need to dispose of a damaged or dead battery, don’t put it in your household waste or normal recycling. When punctured or crushed, these batteries can cause fires in bin lorries, recycling and waste centres. Your e-bike/e-scooter manufacturer may offer a recycling service. Alternatively, check with your local authority for suitable battery recycling arrangements in your area.