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Older cyclist removing lithium-ion battery from e-bike frame for safe charging and fire-risk prevention.

E-Bike Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: 8 Safety Tips & When to Use Lith-X Extinguishers

E-bikes and e-scooters are everywhere, but their lithium-ion batteries have become London’s fastest-growing fire risk. The London Fire Brigade attended one blaze every two days in 2023 . Across the UK, 11 people sadly died in battery-related fires last year . Understanding the danger—and picking the right extinguisher—has never mattered more.

Why Lithium-Ion Fires Behave Differently

Unlike traditional fires, a lithium-ion cell can enter thermal runaway, creating its own oxygen and reaching 1,000 °C in seconds. Conventional foam or CO2 extinguishers rarely penetrate deep enough to stop the reaction .

Eight Essential Charging & Storage Tips

  1. Buy CE/UKCA-marked batteries and chargers—see the latest statutory UK guidelines.
  2. Charge on a hard, non-combustible surface—never on soft furnishings.
  3. Use a single, fused wall socket—avoid daisy-chained extensions.
  4. Fit heat-alarm detectors near charging points.
  5. Stop charging once the indicator turns green.
  6. Quarantine any swollen, hissing or hot battery immediately.
  7. Keep bikes and batteries clear of escape routes.
  8. Never leave charging unattended; if a fire starts, GET OUT / STAY OUT / CALL 999 .

Lithium-Ion ≠ Lithium Metal

Lithium-ion packs in e-bikes contain no free lithium metal, so they are not classed as a metal fire . Class D powders such as Lith-X by Ansul or L2 are engineered for metallic lithium chips, swarf or ingots and will smother rather than cool a runaway battery .

When to Deploy a Lith-X Extinguisher

Lith-X is a graphite-based powder, UL-listed for temperatures up to 2,000 °C . Use it for:

  • Primary (non-rechargeable) lithium button-cells or cylindrical metal batteries
  • Laboratory spills of lithium chips or shavings
  • Machining or casting areas where lithium metal is present

It is not recommended for laptop, power-tool, e-bike or EV battery packs; see the FIA’s lithium-ion battery fire guidance .

How Lith-X Works

The powder flows at low velocity, forming a crust that insulates the metal from oxygen and wicks away heat, preventing re-ignition .

Better Options for Lithium-Ion Batteries

  • AVD “Lith-Ex” extinguishers—a water-based mist that cools cells and coats them in a non-conductive film. See our Home Fire Extinguisher Guide for details .
  • Water-mist units—fine droplets absorb heat rapidly with minimal collateral damage .

30-Second Emergency Plan

  1. Cut power if safe.
  2. Evacuate, closing doors behind you.
  3. Tell 999 it’s a lithium-ion battery fire so crews bring specialist media .

Need Expert Help?

Total Safe UK now offers a Battery Safety Audit – including charger locations, load calculations and extinguisher selection—as part of our Fire Risk Assessment service. We also provide fire-extinguisher maintenance to ensure your protection is always ready. Call 01375 265 950 or email [email protected] to book.

For everyday charging tips, download the Battery Safety for E-Cycle Users leaflet.