Fire Protection Association Announces That The London Fire Brigade Has Issued Another E-Bike Safety Warning

The London Fire Brigade has issued another e-bike safety warning after five people were rescued from a flat fire in St John’s Wood.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters attended the scene at around 2am, which was under control by 02:56. Around half of the flat on the second floor of a block on Frampton Street was damaged by the fire. One resident was taken to hospital as a result.

Correct safety standards

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by a lithium-ion battery for an e-bike. An LFB spokesperson said: “It’s incredibly concerning we are continuing to see a rise in incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters. When these batteries and chargers fail, they do so with ferocity and because the fires develop so rapidly the situation can quickly become incredibly serious.”

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by a lithium-ion battery for an e-bike

“Lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to failure if incorrect chargers are used and there is a significant risk posed by e-bikes which have been converted. We are predominantly seeing fires in ones which have been purchased from online marketplaces and batteries which have been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards.”

Advice on safe charging

“Our advice is to try and store and charge these items in a safe location if possible, such as in a shed or garage, and if they have to be stored inside, make sure there is smoke detection fitted and your means of escape is not obstructed. However we know this won’t be possible for everyone, so if you are charging them indoors, please follow our advice on safe charging and ensure everyone in your home knows what to do in the event of a fire.”

“We would also suggest people try not to charge them when they are asleep, so that if there is an issue they can react quickly.”

Hard flat surfaces

The LFB have also offered the following e-bike and e-scooter safety advice to keep people safe during this trend of similar fires:

• Always use the correct charger for the product, and buy an official one from a reputable seller.
• Batteries can get warm during their use and it is advisable to allow them to cool down before attempting to re-charge as they could be more susceptible to failure.
• Batteries should always be charged on hard flat surfaces where heat can dissipate.
• Batteries can also pose a risk if they have been damaged, so try to ensure they are not getting knocked around while in use or while being carried as spares as this can increase the chance of damage to cells.
• Users should always make sure they unplug the charger once it’s finished charging. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions when charging and they would advise not to leave it unattended or while people are asleep.
• Ensure users have smoke alarms fitted in areas where e-bikes or e-scooters are being charged and make sure they are tested regularly.
• Never block the escape route with anything, including bikes and scooters. Store them somewhere away from a main through route.