In response to a dramatic increase in dangerous incidents, the UK government has announced new mandatory reporting requirements for fire brigades to track fires involving e-bike and e-scooter batteries. Fire Minister Samantha Dixon confirmed that the existing Fire and Rescue Data Platform will be updated to include a specific section dedicated to lithium-ion batteries, which also covers other electric vehicles.
Record High Fires and Safety Concerns
This regulatory move comes amid growing alarm over the safety risks associated with lithium-ion power sources, which can ignite rapidly and release toxic fumes. The urgency was starkly highlighted in 2025 by the tragic death of 30-year-old Eden Abera Siem in north London, following a fire likely caused by a charging e-bike battery at her home.
Recent investigative data revealed a significant surge in such incidents, with e-bike fires reaching a record 432 and e-scooter fires hitting 147 in 2025 alone. These figures are based on reports from 37 out of 49 UK fire brigades, underscoring a widespread and escalating problem.
Industry and Political Reactions
Lesley Rudd, chief executive of the charity Electrical Safety First, warmly welcomed the government's initiative. She emphasised that "substandard" e-bikes and e-scooters were "flooding the market," making it "imperative" that fires involving them were properly documented.
"For years, the fire reporting system has desperately needed modernising, so we are encouraged to see the Government will now capture battery fires, which will allow us to better understand the scale of the problem," Rudd stated.
However, shadow transport secretary Richard Holden expressed concerns about the current data deficit during parliamentary discussions. He warned that battery fires can be more complex for emergency services to handle, and the existing system's failure to properly record whether vehicle fires involve batteries means policy is being shaped by incomplete information.
"That's why, if we're going to have a serious debate about vehicle safety, it has to be based on real data, not handpicked analysis," Holden asserted.Enhanced Data Collection Measures
In her response to Holden's parliamentary question, Minister Dixon detailed that the Fire and Rescue Data Platform, launched in November 2025, will be enhanced to identify "whether the source of ignition was a battery and, where relevant, whether that battery was on charge at the time of the incident."
She added: "These additions will ensure such information is collected and reported consistently across services." This systematic approach aims to provide a clearer, nationwide picture of the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries in personal transport devices.
The government's action reflects a proactive stance to address safety gaps, as the popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters continues to rise, bringing both mobility benefits and potential hazards that require vigilant monitoring and regulation.
