Introduction

Fire safety for London’s cycling community needs urgent attention as e-bikes and e-scooters become more common. Many riders, building managers and employers still underestimate the fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries. This guide explains the causes, legal responsibilities and practical steps to reduce the risk of fires linked to e-bikes and e-scooters in London. It also shows how Total Safe UK can help you comply with regulations and protect people and property.

 

Why e-bike and e-scooter fires are a growing concern

E-bikes and e-scooters rely on lithium-ion batteries. These batteries store lots of energy in a small space. Therefore, a fault can lead to rapid overheating and thermal runaway. As a result, fires can start quickly and burn intensely. Moreover, such fires often produce toxic smoke that endangers residents and responders.

London has seen an increase in incidents. For example, charging devices in communal areas or leaving damaged batteries in flats has triggered fires. In addition, poorly maintained rental fleets add to the risk. Consequently, property managers, facilities teams and riders must act to reduce hazards.

“Small batteries can pose large risks if stored or charged incorrectly.”

 

Common causes of e-bike and e-scooter fires

Many incidents share the same root causes. Understanding these helps prevent future events.

• Faulty chargers and non‑compliant accessories. Cheap or counterfeit chargers can overheat. Therefore only use manufacturer-approved chargers.
• Damaged batteries. Physical impact, water ingress or poor maintenance can damage battery cells and create short circuits.
• Overcharging and charging unattended. Charging overnight or leaving batteries charging in a communal corridor increases risk.
• Poor storage. Batteries stored near flammable materials can ignite surrounding items.
• Incorrect charging infrastructure. Domestic sockets and extension leads may not be suitable for repeated charging of high-capacity batteries.
• Improper repairs. Modifications and DIY repairs can compromise battery safety and void protective circuitry.

 

Legal responsibilities for landlords, property managers and employers

Landlords and property managers must consider the fire risk from e-bikes and e-scooters under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. They must assess shared spaces and implement reasonable measures to reduce risk. For workplaces, employers have duties under the GOV.UK workplace fire safety guidance. Therefore a fire risk assessment should explicitly address battery-powered vehicles.

Moreover, building policies on storage and charging should be clear and enforced. Property managers should update fire risk assessments when resident behaviour changes. For tailored support, Total Safe UK offers professional fire risk assessments and compliance advice to help you meet these duties and manage mobile battery risks effectively.

 

Safe charging and storage: practical steps cyclists and managers can take

Smart, simple measures greatly reduce fire risk.

Firstly, always charge batteries in a safe location. Avoid charging overnight in bedrooms or communal escape routes. Instead, charge in a well-ventilated area away from flammable materials.

Secondly, use only manufacturer-approved chargers and cables. Third-party or counterfeit chargers often lack required safety features. Therefore they increase the chance of overheating.

Thirdly, inspect batteries regularly. Look for swelling, cracks or unusual smells. If you find damage, stop using the battery and seek professional advice.

Fourthly, store batteries properly when not in use. Ideal storage is in a cool, dry place on a non-combustible surface. Also, keep batteries away from direct sunlight and heat sources. For communal buildings, consider dedicated, secure storage rooms with appropriate fire separation and smoke detection.

Fifthly, limit charging in communal areas. Property managers should provide suitable charging points or a designated charging room to prevent residents charging multiple high-capacity batteries in corridors. For example, install a locked charging cupboard with a heat-resistant floor and automatic suppression where feasible.

 

Technical measures: detection, suppression and infrastructure

Technology can help protect buildings and occupants. For instance, ensure adequate smoke detection covers areas where batteries are charged or stored. However, standard smoke alarms may not always detect battery thermal events early. Therefore consider using heat detectors in storage rooms and buildings with high battery usage.

Moreover, review wiring and power supplies. Heavy-duty circuits or dedicated sockets reduce the risk of overloaded circuits. In addition, avoid using extension leads or multi-socket adaptors for long-term charging. These are not designed for continuous high-current use.

Where risk is significant, consider installing automatic fire suppression in charging or storage rooms. For example, sprinkler systems or specialised agents can limit fire spread. Total Safe UK can advise on suitable detection and suppression solutions, and provide a professional fire risk assessment to identify gaps in your current setup.

 

Policies, signage and resident engagement

Rules only work when people follow them. Therefore clear policies and ongoing engagement help change behaviour. Draft a simple charging and storage policy for residents and staff. Include banned behaviours such as overnight charging in corridors and storing batteries in escape routes.

Post clear signage in bike stores, lifts and communal areas. Furthermore, inform residents about the signs of a damaged battery and the correct action to take. For example, advise riders to report swollen batteries immediately and not to attempt home repairs.

Provide guidance on safe disposal and recycling. Batteries must not go in household waste. Instead, direct residents to approved recycling points or collection services. You can also cooperate with local councils or cycle shops to arrange battery take-back.

Total Safe UK offers bespoke fire safety training for staff and residents. Training increases awareness and teaches practical steps to reduce risk.

 

What to do if an e-bike or e-scooter catches fire

Preparation saves lives. Firstly, call 999 immediately and report the fire. If safe, move people away from the fire and keep them upwind of smoke.

Secondly, do not attempt to extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire with a standard extinguisher unless trained to do so. Use the building’s evacuation plan and fire alarms.

If available and trained, use an appropriate extinguisher. Specialist extinguishing agents and water applied by firefighters may be required for fully involved battery fires. Finally, provide details to the fire service about the battery type, charging status and storage location. This helps responders choose the right tactics.

 

Insurance, incident reporting and learning

After an incident, notify insurance providers promptly. Document the event with photographs and witness statements where possible. Moreover, conduct a post-incident review to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. Share findings with residents and staff.

Reporting incidents also helps emergency services and industry bodies track trends. For guidance on workplace and building safety responsibilities, consult the Health and Safety Executive and relevant local fire authorities. The HSE offers broader workplace safety advice, which complements fire-specific guidance.

 

How Total Safe UK supports London’s cycling community

Total Safe UK works with landlords, strata managers, employers and cycling groups across London. We provide tailored fire risk assessments that include battery-powered vehicle risks. Therefore clients receive practical, compliant recommendations they can implement quickly.

In addition, our consultants help design safe storage and charging areas, specify detection and suppression systems, and deliver on-site training. We also assist with policy drafting and resident engagement programmes. For expert support, contact Total Safe UK to arrange an assessment and plan.

 

Key takeaways and next steps

E-bikes and e-scooters offer big benefits for Londoners, yet they carry fire risk. Firstly, reduce risk by using approved chargers and storing batteries correctly. Secondly, landlords and employers must include battery risks in fire risk assessments. Thirdly, adopt technical measures such as improved detection, dedicated power supplies and, where needed, suppression.

Moreover, implement clear policies and provide training for residents and staff. Finally, prepare an emergency response plan and work with insurers after any incident. For professional help, consider a tailored fire risk assessment and training from Total Safe UK to protect people and property.

For further reading on fire safety obligations and workplace responsibilities see the GOV.UK advice on fire safety in the workplace and the Health and Safety Executive guidance on electrical safety and general workplace hazards. These resources help you align local practice with national standards.

 

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