A recent investigation revealed a surge in fires caused by e-bikes and e-scooters last year, urging caution among riders when buying from online platforms. According to data from fire brigades obtained by the Press Association, the UK saw 432 e-bike fires in 2025, a 38% increase from the previous year and a significant rise from 2021. E-scooter fires also rose by 20%, with 147 incidents recorded in 2025 compared to 123 in 2024.
The primary culprits behind these fires are malfunctioning batteries, conversion kits, or chargers. Concerningly, products bought from online marketplaces pose a higher risk due to less stringent regulations. Nick Bailey from BatteryIQ emphasized that most fire-involved e-bikes and e-scooters are low-cost items from online platforms with inadequate quality control.
The issue extends to the use of DIY and counterfeit batteries, often made from recycled vape cells, especially prevalent among delivery riders. The safety of e-bike batteries is paramount, with continuous monitoring recommended regardless of manufacturer assurances.
In response to the escalating problem, the Government is considering measures to enhance product safety, including holding online marketplaces accountable for the sale of hazardous items. Fire services across the UK reported a concerning number of e-bike and e-scooter fires, with the London Fire Brigade responding to the most incidents.
Tragically, a fatal e-bike fire claimed the life of Eden Abera Siem in north London last year, emphasizing the severity of the issue. Lesley Rudd from Electrical Safety First stressed the urgency of addressing the dangers posed by substandard batteries in these vehicles.
Efforts are being made to regulate the use of e-scooters and e-bikes, with bans on privately-owned e-scooters in public spaces and restrictions on their use on public transport networks. Legal trials for rental e-scooters are ongoing, while enforcement agencies are vigilant against tampered e-bike motors.
Consumer rights advocates are calling for stricter regulations on online marketplaces to prevent the sale of unsafe products. The proposed consultations aim to establish robust measures to safeguard consumers and prevent potential hazards like fires.
