UK e-bike battery fires cause 18 deaths and 700 injuries

Data obtained through Freedom of Information requests reveals that fires caused by e-bike and e-scooter batteries have resulted in 18 deaths and nearly 700 injuries in the United Kingdom since 2019. More than 2,000 such incidents have been recorded, with the frequency of fires increasing annually.

Nearly half of these fires occur within residential homes or garages, often leading to fatalities from toxic smoke inhalation or victims becoming trapped. Experts note that lithium-ion batteries can undergo ‘thermal runaway,’ a process where energy is released rapidly as flames, potentially engulfing a room within seconds.

The London Fire Brigade has expressed increasing concern regarding the risks posed by second-hand vehicles and those modified with unregulated parts purchased online. While new e-bikes from reputable retailers range from £400 to £4,000, unregulated conversion kits and second-hand models can be found for as little as £150, which significantly increases fire risks.

The Bicycle Association has called for stronger government regulation to combat the sale of unsafe products through online marketplaces, noting that unregulated items threaten the stability of the legitimate retail market.