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Recent data reveals that fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters have resulted in eighteen deaths and nearly 700 injuries across the UK. These fatalities include tragic incidents where individuals were trapped inside burning buildings, died attempting to escape through high windows, or succumbed to toxic smoke inhalation. Between 2019 and 2025, more than 2,000 fires have been caused by e-bikes, e-scooters, or their batteries, according to Freedom of Information requests gathered by BBC Verify. The number of such incidents has increased steadily each year, with nearly half occurring within homes or garages.
Pam Oparaocha, Assistant Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, expressed serious concerns regarding the fire risks presented by these vehicles. She pointed out that many fires involve second-hand e-bikes or vehicles modified with parts sourced online, advising the public to exercise caution when purchasing these products. Videos of such fires demonstrate how rapidly these vehicles can begin to emit smoke and sometimes explode, resulting in fast-spreading fires that intensify within just minutes.
The Bicycle Association estimates that an average of 153,000 new e-bikes have been introduced onto UK roads annually since 2020. Prices range broadly, with new e-bikes costing between £400 and £4,000 at retailers like Halfords and Decathlon, while used e-bikes and unregulated conversion kits are available online for as little as £150. Lithium-ion batteries, which power these vehicles, must comply with government safety standards designed to ensure safe charging, prevent overheating, and protect against damage. The government’s “Buy Safe, Be Safe” campaign emphasizes that while many people use e-bikes and e-scooters safely, risks increase if these devices fail to meet safety criteria, are damaged, altered, or charged with incompatible equipment. It further advises consumers to seek UKCA or CE marks as indicators of compliance.
The data shows a sharp rise in battery-related fires, jumping from 32 incidents in 2019 to 605 in 2025. Urban areas report the highest numbers, with London’s fire services responding to 793 such incidents over seven years, compared to 128 in Manchester and fewer in other regions like West Yorkshire and Merseyside. Dr. Simon Jones from the University of Warwick, who has researched these batteries, explained that while lithium-ion cells are excellent at storing high energy levels, faults or damage can trigger rapid and dangerous energy release. Such failures can cause fires to spread swiftly indoors, block escape routes, and release hazardous fumes. Personal accounts like that of Jahmell Campbell, who escaped a dangerous e-scooter fire in his grandmother’s London home, highlight the very real risks these fires pose.
Coroners have issued multiple warnings about lithium-ion battery hazards, producing at least five Prevention of Future Deaths reports since 2023. These include cases such as that of eight-year-old Luke Albiston-O’Donnell from Birkenhead, who died from inhaling toxic smoke after an e-bike battery fire while charging. Coroner Anita Bhardwaj pointed out the public’s lack of awareness regarding the serious risks these batteries carry when kept inside homes. A similar incident involved Mohsin Janjua, who perished in a fire linked to a faulty e-bike conversion kit purchased online. Investigations found the battery experienced a “catastrophic failure.” Experts like Steve Garidis from the Bicycle Association note that while retailers often offer safe and legal e-bikes, many unsafe and illegal products sold online undermine these efforts, putting consumers at risk.
In response, industry groups have developed initiatives such as the “E-Bike Positive” scheme, aimed at helping buyers identify manufacturers and sellers compliant with current safety standards. They have called on the government to clamp down on unsafe products sold via online marketplaces and to address the high demand for inexpensive e-bikes fueled by gig economy drivers. A government spokesperson confirmed ongoing actions to protect consumers, including enhanced oversight of online marketplaces, collaboration with local authorities to remove dangerous items, and public awareness campaigns like “Buy Safe, Be Safe.”
To compile this insight, BBC Verify requested data from all 49 UK fire and rescue services, with 41 providing comparable information. Some variations in reporting methods meant that data was sometimes obtained through keyword searches for terms like “e-bike” or “e-scooter.” The analysis excluded incidents identified as arson or involving mobility scooters to ensure a more accurate picture of e-bike and e-scooter fire risks
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