Fire risk fears growing in e-bike and e-scooter owners as battery fires surge
Growing Concerns Over Lithium Battery Fires
Lithium battery fires are on the rise, with Freedom of Information data showing a 93% increase in incidents between 2022 and 2024. E-bikes and e-scooters, powered by lithium-ion batteries, are emerging as some of the fastest-growing fire risks across the UK.
According to new research by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), more than half (59%) of e-bike and e-scooter owners admit that their concerns about fire risk have increased since owning one. Alarmingly, 1 in 10 people have already experienced or know someone who has experienced a lithium battery fire, reflecting the urgent need for greater awareness and preventive action.
Key Findings From the BWF Survey
The BWF’s Fire Door Safety Week campaign, themed “Fire Travels Fast”, sheds light on how public perception and storage habits are contributing to the dangers. Key findings include:
- High perceived risk: E-bikes (45%) and e-scooters (47%) top the list of perceived hazards, ahead of vapes (38%) and electric vehicles (36%).
- Storage habits: While most owners store their devices in garages or outbuildings (56%), 22% keep them inside homes, hallways, or shared spaces — increasing fire risks.
- Counterfeit dangers: 9% of owners use conversion kits, which may lack safety testing and increase the chance of failure.
- Charging issues: Despite 63% reporting charging problems, 42% continue charging inside the home, and 8% charge in shared internal spaces such as apartment hallways.
The Role of Fire Doors in Containing Lithium Battery Fires
Helen Hewitt, CEO of the BWF, emphasized that fire doors remain one of the most effective defences against fast-spreading lithium battery fires.
“With e-bikes and e-scooters increasingly stored in homes and communal areas, correctly functioning fire doors can mean the difference between life and death. They hold back flames and smoke, giving people precious extra time to escape.”
However, the survey revealed concerning gaps in confidence and maintenance:
- Only 41% of people believe fire doors in their building would contain a lithium battery fire.
- Just 36% correctly understood that a standard fire door provides 30 minutes of protection.
- 35% reported visible issues with fire doors, including being propped open, faulty hinges, or excessive gaps.
- Despite these issues, only 29% had reported faults to building owners or managers.
London Fire Brigade’s Warning
The London Fire Brigade has reported a surge in e-bike and e-scooter fire incidents, with fires occurring on average every other day since early 2023. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field warned:
“Never store or charge e-bikes or e-scooters in hallways, stairwells, or escape routes. If possible, keep them outside in a garage or shed. If stored indoors, ensure they are placed in a room away from your main exit so that fire doors can help contain flames if a fire breaks out.”
The Brigade further advised against repairing or altering fire doors without professional guidance, as this can compromise their effectiveness.
With ownership of e-bikes and e-scooters steadily growing, the fire safety challenges they pose will only intensify. The BWF’s campaign calls on landlords, building managers, and responsible persons — particularly in high-rise apartments and HMOs — to:
- Ensure fire doors are properly installed, maintained, and inspected.
- Educate residents on safe storage and charging practices.
- Encourage reporting of faulty fire doors.
- Promote awareness of lithium battery fire risks.
Ultimately, tackling the rise in lithium battery fires requires shared responsibility between manufacturers, building managers, and residents. Correctly maintained fire doors, combined with safer charging habits, can significantly reduce the risk of injury and property damage.
For more information visit: firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk
