E-bikes and e-scooters


Fire safety advice for electric bikes and scooters

Electric bikes and scooters are becoming increasingly popular. Most are powered by lithium-ion batteries which can be charged in the home. The use of these batteries in a wide range of household products is becoming increasingly common.

It is important when charging e-bikes and e-scooters, you do so safely to avoid a risk of a fire starting and putting your families and homes at risk.

This content cannot be displayed due to your current cookie settings. To view the content - most likely a video - please change your cookie settings

Make sure you charge your e-bike or e-scooter battery safely.

Follow these simple steps to reduce the risk of a fire.

Don’t leave your device charging unattended or when you’re asleep.

Don’t store or charge your batteries in a hallway or where it could block your escape.

Only use the correct charger for your battery.

Ensure you have working smoke alarms on every floor of your home, including where you charge your batteries.

Only buy e-bikes, e-scooters and batteries from trusted retailers and manufacturers.

Always follow the manufacturers instructions for charging and using your product.

Don’t attempt to modify or tamper with the battery.

Check the product I marked with a CE or UKCA mark to ensure they comply with UK product safety standards.

It is recommended that a professional carries out an e-bike conversion.

They’ll be responsible for ensuring the e-bike is safe and fitted with the correct motor, battery and charger.

In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and call 999.

E-Bike Fire Risk Warning: is your battery safe?

Certain UPP e-bike batteries (models U004 and U004-1) are deemed to pose a serious fire risk according to the Government. Find out how to check your battery, stay safe and dispose of affected models safely and responsibly by visiting Is your e-bike battery safe?  Electrical Safety First (external website)

Dangerous UPP (unit pack power) e-bike batteries are still being sold privately across the UK – despite the issue of a Government withdrawal notice in January 2024, stating that the UPP battery posed a serious risk of fire. For further advice visit OPSS warning on dangerous UPP e-bike batteries (external website)  

If you own an e-bike, we urge you to check your battery today.

Advice for storing and charging

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storing your electric bike/scooter.

  • Fit smoke or heat detection in the room or garage where you charge or store your electric bike/scooter.

  • Store electric bikes/scooters and their batteries in a cool place. Avoid excessively hot or cold places.

  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions for the storage and maintenance of lithium -ion batteries if they are not going to be used for extended periods of time.

  • Always use the manufacturer approved charger for the product.

  • Don’t overcharge and always unplug your charger when it’s finished charging.

  • Don’t leave batteries to charge while you are asleep or away from the home.

  • Don’t cover chargers or battery packs when charging. This could lead to overheating or fire.

  • Don’t charge batteries or store your electric bike/scooter near combustible or flammable materials. In the event of an electric bike/scooter or lithium-ion battery fire – do not attempt to extinguish the fire. Get out, stay out, call 999.

  • Avoid storing or charging e-bikes/scooters on escape routes or in communal areas where they could impede escape.

For more e-bike and e-scooter safety advice, watch the Fire Kills video below.

This content cannot be displayed due to your current cookie settings. To view the content - most likely a video - please change your cookie settings

Buying

  • Buy electric bikes/scooters and chargers and batteries from reputable retailers. Items which don’t meet British or European standards pose a fire risk.

  • If buying an electric bike conversion kit, purchase from a reputable seller and check that it complies with British or European standards. If buying separate components, check that they are compatible. It is recommended that a professional carries out an e-bike conversion.

  • Ensure you register your appliance with the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA) (external website) for a safer home.

Damage and disposal of batteries

  • Batteries can be damaged by dropping them or crashing electric bikes/scooters. Where the battery is damaged, it can overheat and catch fire without warning. Check your battery regularly for any signs of damage and if you suspect it is damaged it should be replaced and should not be used or charged.

  • If you need to dispose of a damaged or end of life battery, don’t dispose of it in your household waste or normal recycling. These batteries, when punctured or crushed can cause fires in bin lorries, recycling and waste centres. Your electric bike/scooter manufacturer may offer a recycling service. Alternatively, you can take it to your local Household Waste and Recycling Centre (Tip).

Everything you need to know about recycling batteries and electricals - Recycle for Greater Manchester (external website)

E-bikes and e-scooters fire safety guidance - National Fire Chiefs Council website (external website)

Information on how to use e-bikes and e-scooters safely - Electrical Safety First website (external website)

Watch ‘Buy Safe, Be Safe’ e-bike and e-scooter fire safety videos in English and Welsh, or translated into Arabic, Urdu, Romanian and Portuguese (including Brazilian Portuguese) (external websites)

Useful links

Video shows impact of modified electric bike battery fire Electrical Maintain Appliances and Recalls E-scooters, e-bikes and batteries