E-Bike and E-Scooter Fires Surge to Record Levels in the UK
Fires caused by e-bikes and e-scooters have reached a record high in the United Kingdom, according to a comprehensive investigation. The alarming rise in incidents has prompted urgent warnings to consumers about the dangers of purchasing these vehicles and their components from online marketplaces.
Sharp Increase in Fire Incidents
Statistics obtained through Freedom of Information requests reveal that fire services across the UK recorded 432 e-bike blazes in 2025. This represents a substantial 38% increase from the 313 incidents reported in 2024, and is more than five times higher than the 84 fires recorded in 2021.
E-scooter fires also showed a concerning upward trend, with 147 incidents in 2025 marking a 20% rise from 123 the previous year. In 2021, that figure stood at just 88 fires.
Battery Failures and Online Marketplace Risks
Experts have identified that the majority of these fires are triggered by failures in batteries, conversion kits, or chargers. Products purchased from online marketplaces carry a significantly higher risk of malfunction compared to those sold by established retailers, as they often bypass rigorous safety regulations.
Nick Bailey of BatteryIQ, which provides monitoring systems for e-bike battery safety, stated that the vehicles involved in fires are "always cut-price products sold through online marketplaces with lax quality control."
He further warned about a growing black market in DIY and counterfeit batteries, particularly those targeting delivery riders. "There's also a growing black market in DIY and counterfeit batteries, particularly for delivery riders, built using battery cells reclaimed from used disposable vapes," Bailey explained. "I wouldn't keep a battery in my home without continuous monitoring – regardless of what the manufacturer's sticker says."
Regional Breakdown and Tragic Consequences
The London Fire Brigade recorded the highest number of incidents, with 171 e-bike fires and 35 e-scooter blazes in 2025. Beyond the capital, Nottinghamshire experienced 30 e-bike fires, followed by Greater Manchester with 13, and Avon Fire and Rescue Service with 10.
For e-scooter fires outside London, Greater Manchester reported 13 incidents, with Avon Fire and Rescue Service recording 10.
The human cost of these incidents was tragically highlighted by the death of 30-year-old Eden Abera Siem in June 2025. Firefighters rescued her from a blaze at her Wood Green home that investigators determined was likely caused by a failing e-bike battery. This marked the fourth fatal e-bike fire in London alone.
Industry and Regulatory Response
Lesley Rudd, chief executive of charity Electrical Safety First, described the situation as "swiftly becoming a runaway train that needs to be stopped." She emphasized that "poorly made batteries and accessories, often sold via under-regulated online marketplaces, are of huge concern, and are a major route through which dangerous devices are entering people's homes."
In response to growing safety concerns, the Government has launched three consultations outlining proposals to strengthen product safety across the UK. These include measures that would legally oblige online marketplaces to "prevent, identify and remove dangerous products being sold via their platforms."
Spencer Sutcliff, deputy commissioner of London Fire Brigade, expressed that the brigade is "extremely concerned around the issue of e-bike and e-scooter fires, and the devastating impact these fires can have on lives and livelihoods." He noted that firefighters "continue to be called out to a worrying amount" of such incidents.
Transport Bans and Legal Framework
Transport for London has implemented significant restrictions in response to fire risks. Privately-owned e-scooters have been prohibited from TfL's network since December 2021, and this ban was extended to non-foldable e-bikes across most TfL services in March 2025 following an e-bike catching fire at Rayners Lane Tube station.
While private e-scooters remain illegal for use in public spaces throughout the UK, they continue to be ridden illegally in many urban areas. Legal trials of rental e-scooters on roads have been underway in towns and cities across England since July 2020.
Sue Davies, Which? head of consumer rights policy, highlighted the broader issue: "Online marketplaces are increasingly saturated with unsafe products. E-bikes and e-scooters are just some examples of items that can pose serious risks to consumers, while also undercutting responsible businesses that comply with the law."
She welcomed the Government's consultation on updating the product safety framework, emphasizing that "these duties must be strong and enforceable, with clear measures in place to protect consumers and reduce the risk of fires and other harm."
