Are e-Bike and e-Scooter batteries posing a danger to health and safety?

In one high-profile case, a fire caused by an e-bike battery resulted in the tragic death of one man and left 12 others injured. The incident, which took place in a multi-occupancy flat, was traced to a faulty battery that had likely been connected to an incompatible charger with a different voltage rating. The coroner investigating the death noted there had been nine deaths in approximately one year related to such faulty batteries and that LFB was dealing with over 100 such fires per year. The coroner issued a Prevention of Future Deaths Report, directed to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) outlining the lack of a British or European standard to control the types of batteries and chargers that can be sold in the UK. The OPSS’s response to the coroner confirmed an urgent programme of activity was underway across government departments and an updated standard had been introduced.  

The case has led to legal action against both the manufacturer for alleged negligence under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, and the landlord for failing to ensure the safety of the property under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. In 2023 a landlord pleaded guilty to criminal charges relating to fire safety and the occupation of the property following a deadly fire started by an e-bike battery.

Separately, Fire England has issued safety guidance on the topic.

Cause of battery fires

According to the LFB, many of these fires are linked to incompatible chargers, faulty or counterfeit batteries, or modifications made to the e-bikes or e-scooters. LFB Deputy Commissioner Charlie Pugsley has noted in a BBC article that "e-bikes and e-scooters can pose a significant fire risk" due to these issues.

The increased use of poorly manufactured or non-compliant products, often purchased from online retailers, has contributed to this rising danger. Non-compliant or counterfeit parts are especially concerning, as they may lack the safety features that properly certified products have.

The push for change

In response to the growing concern over fire risks, the UK government launched a campaign called Buy Safe, Be Safe in October 2024. The initiative is designed to educate consumers about how to safely purchase and maintain their e-bikes and e-scooters. The campaign emphasises the importance of buying only from reputable sellers, checking for the UKCA or CE marks, and ensuring that batteries and chargers are compatible with the vehicles they power.

The government’s campaign also stresses the need to follow manufacturer instructions on storage, charging, and repairs. Charging the battery in a safe location, avoiding the use of incompatible chargers, and never charging unattended or while asleep are key recommendations.

The LFB and other fire safety organisations are also actively working to raise awareness, with campaigns like #ChargeSafe urging the public to follow safe charging practices and avoid leaving batteries plugged in unattended.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) told the BBC that lithium battery fires (those which are used in e-bikes) can be particularly dangerous and hard to extinguish. It gave the following advice to consumers:

"When charging anything that uses a lithium-ion battery, be sure to only do so using the accessories specifically designed for the device’s make and model, and watch out for excessive heat, smells, bulging or leaks which could indicate battery failure”.

The ABI also said that insurers, fire departments, and industry stakeholders want to see safety regulations modernised and enforced to mitigate against the fire risks they pose.

Risks

Until regulation and enforcement is tightened, insurers are likely to see an increase in claims related to fires caused by e-bike batteries, including and not limited to property damage, personal injury and fatalities - potentially extending to third parties. Insurers may begin to consider the wording of their policies and coverage for their e-bike related clients to reduce insurer risk.

Manufacturers should be mindful of a potential increase in legal action against them where their products are found to be defective or responsible for causing fires. Risks may include costly settlements, damage to reputation, increased insurance premiums and regulatory action.

Consumers should be mindful in following the increasingly accessible resources and guidelines available in relation to e-bike and e-scooter battery safety, from credible and reliable sources such as LFB and government in order to ensure their safety so far as possible.

Conclusion

While millions of people use e-bikes and e-scooters safely every day, the risk of fires increases when they are improperly maintained or use counterfeit or incompatible parts. Consumers are urged to prioritise safety by buying certified products, using compatible chargers, and following proper maintenance and storage guidelines.

Legal actions and government campaigns are a step in the right direction, but tighter regulations and better enforcement will be crucial to ensuring e-bike usage remains safe for all.

Clyde & Co are specialists in dealing with Health and Safety claims, and we have been monitoring developments around the topic of e-bikes and e-scooters for some time. For more on this subject, you can read all of our previous articles here, and if you have any questions about this topic you can contact Alan Kells or any of our Safety, Health, Environment & Regulatory team.