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🔥 Fire Safety Notice

E-Bike & E-Scooter Fire Safety

Lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters pose a serious fire risk to our properties and residents. Please read and share this guidance.

1 every 2 days E-bike/e-scooter fire in London
Fast spreading Lithium fires grow rapidly
Toxic smoke Dangerous gases produced
⚠️ Important notice for all residents: On average, there is a fire caused by an e-bike or e-scooter lithium-ion battery every two days in London. Many of these fires start while batteries are charging — often at night. As your management company, we are required to make you aware of this risk.

Watch: Official Safety Videos

These videos from the London Fire Brigade and national fire safety campaigns explain the risks and what you must do to stay safe.

London Fire Brigade

London's Growing Fire Risk – ChargeSafe Campaign

Official LFB ChargeSafe campaign video — every other day in London, an e-bike or e-scooter battery fire puts lives at risk.

CCTV Footage

E-Scooter Fire Engulfs Kitchen in Seconds

Dramatic LFB footage showing how rapidly an e-scooter on charge can explode and engulf a room — released to highlight indoor charging dangers.

ChargeSafe Campaign

ChargeSafe at Piccadilly Circus

London Fire Brigade takes its ChargeSafe campaign to Piccadilly Circus — raising national awareness of the growing e-bike and e-scooter fire risk.

LFB Warning

Man Takes Cover as E-Bike Explodes

LFB footage showing just how dangerous a faulty e-bike fire can be — and how little warning there is before an explosion.

Safety Guidance

How to Use E-Bikes & E-Scooters Safely

Electrical Safety First explains thermal runaway in lithium batteries and what riders must do to stay safe — based on LFB fire data.

Real-Life Warning

E-Bike Fire Destroys House

Electrical Safety First and London Fire Brigade warn about the dangers of buying e-bikes, scooters and conversion kits from unknown online sellers.

Charging Do's & Don'ts

Follow these rules every time you charge your e-bike or e-scooter.

✔ DO

  • Use only the charger supplied with your bike/scooter
  • Charge in a well-ventilated area away from flammable items
  • Charge where you can easily escape if a fire starts
  • Unplug once fully charged
  • Check your battery regularly for swelling, damage or unusual heat
  • Buy from reputable UK retailers with certified products (UKCA/CE mark)
  • Register your product for safety recalls
  • Store at room temperature — not in extreme heat or cold

✘ DO NOT

  • Charge overnight while you sleep
  • Charge or store in hallways, stairwells or escape routes
  • Use a damaged battery or charger
  • Buy cheap batteries or chargers from unknown online sellers
  • Use a conversion kit that isn't certified
  • Store in extremely hot, cold or damp conditions
  • Try to extinguish a lithium battery fire yourself
  • Leave charging unattended for long periods

Key Safety Points

What every resident needs to know about e-bike and e-scooter fire safety.

🔋

Battery Warning Signs

Stop using immediately if the battery is swollen, cracked, overheating, emitting a smell, or leaking fluid. Do not attempt to charge a damaged battery.

🛒

Buy Safe Products Only

Only buy from reputable UK sellers. Look for the UKCA or CE safety mark. Cheap batteries from unknown websites are a leading cause of fires.

🚪

Keep Escape Routes Clear

Never store or charge e-bikes and e-scooters in hallways, stairwells, or communal areas. These block emergency escape routes for all residents.

🌙

Never Charge Overnight

Fires that start while you sleep are most deadly. Charge during waking hours and unplug when done. Set an alarm if needed.

🔧

Be Careful with Conversion Kits

Conversion kits that modify standard bikes to electric significantly increase fire risk. Only use kits from certified, reputable suppliers.

📋

Register for Safety Recalls

Register your e-bike or e-scooter with the manufacturer so you are notified of any safety alerts or product recalls.

🔥

Lithium Fires Spread Fast

These fires produce intense heat, thick toxic smoke, and can engulf a room within minutes. They cannot be extinguished with water or standard fire extinguishers.

🌡️

Watch the Weather

Extreme heat, cold and moisture all damage lithium batteries. Do not leave your e-bike or e-scooter in direct sunlight, a hot car, or outdoors in freezing temperatures.

Guidance for Residents in Our Properties

As your landlord and managing agent, we have responsibilities under fire safety law. Please co-operate with the following requirements.

🏠 Storage in Properties

  • E-bikes and e-scooters must NOT be stored in communal hallways or stairwells
  • They must not block any fire exit or escape route
  • Where possible, store in a shed, garage, or secured outdoor area
  • If storing indoors, keep away from bedroom doors

⚡ Charging in Properties

  • Do not charge in hallways, stairwells or communal areas
  • Charge in a room with a closed door where possible
  • Never charge in a room where people are sleeping
  • Ensure working smoke alarms are fitted and tested regularly

🚨 Your Legal Responsibility

  • Tenancy agreements may be affected by storage of e-bikes indoors
  • You are responsible for ensuring your devices do not endanger other residents
  • Please inform us if you own an e-bike or e-scooter
  • Failure to follow safety guidance may breach your tenancy conditions

🔔 Make Sure Alarms Work

  • Test your smoke alarm monthly — press the test button
  • Replace batteries at least once a year
  • Contact us immediately if your alarm is faulty
  • Do not remove or tamper with alarms — this is a criminal offence

Official Resources & Further Reading

For more detailed guidance, visit the London Fire Brigade's dedicated e-bike and e-scooter safety pages.

🚨 In Case of Fire

Lithium battery fires spread extremely quickly and produce toxic smoke. Do NOT attempt to fight the fire yourself.

📞 999

Call 999 immediately, get everyone out, and stay out.

1. GET OUT
2. STAY OUT
3. CALL 999
4. CLOSE DOORS BEHIND YOU
Information on this page is based on official guidance from the London Fire Brigade ChargeSafe campaign. For the most up-to-date advice, always refer to the LFB website.