Fire brigades across the UK are set to monitor e-bike and e-scooter fires after record numbers were recorded in 2025. Figures obtained by the Press Association show at least 432 e-bike fires and 147 e-scooter fires occurred last year, increases of 38% and 20% respectively on the previous year.
London Fire Brigade recorded the highest number of incidents, with 171 e-bike and 35 e-scooter fires. Nottinghamshire had the second highest e-bike fires (30), followed by Greater Manchester (13) and Avon (10). For e-scooters, Greater Manchester reported 13 blazes, with Avon at 10.
The fires are often caused by faulty batteries, conversion kits, or chargers, particularly those bought from online marketplaces with lax regulation. Nick Bailey of BatteryIQ noted that cut-price products and a black market in DIY and counterfeit batteries, including those reclaimed from disposable vapes, are major concerns.
Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First, warned that poorly made batteries sold via under-regulated online marketplaces pose serious risks. Spencer Sutcliff, deputy commissioner of London Fire Brigade, said the brigade is extremely concerned about the devastating impact of these fires.
Private e-scooters remain banned from public use and Transport for London services, while non-foldable e-bikes were banned from most TfL services in March 2025 after a fire at Rayners Lane tube station. The government has launched a consultation on product safety, including duties for online marketplaces to prevent unsafe products being sold.
