Recent statistics reveal that in 2025, London experienced an unprecedented 206 fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters, as reported by the London Fire Brigade (LFB).
Tragically, two residents lost their lives in these incidents last year, bringing the total fatalities since 2023 to five.
A spokesperson for the Brigade noted that many of these fires stemmed from defective or poorly manufactured vehicles, often purchased online or as second-hand items. The failures typically involve lithium-ion batteries, chargers, or conversion kits.
In light of this, the LFB is calling on government officials to expedite the implementation of regulations aimed at enhancing product safety and decreasing the frequency of such incidents.
Last year, firefighters responded to an average of 17 incidents each month, culminating in 171 fires linked to e-bikes and 35 associated with e-scooters.
Lewisham and Southwark had the highest incident counts, both reporting 16 cases, followed closely by Tower Hamlets with 15, Lambeth with 12, and Westminster with 11.
In March 2025, residents of a house in Hither Green, Lewisham, heard a loud explosion shortly before a partition wall fell down.
The fire obstructed their escape route, forcing Jahmell Campbell, along with his father and grandmother, to leap from their first-floor flat.
He recounted, “It felt like a grenade had been tossed into our apartment. I escaped through the first-floor window.
“When I attempted to return to the building to use the stairs, I realized that opening the flat door would let the fire rush out – the handle was scorching hot.”
His grandmother also jumped, and his father suffered injuries; his grandmother spent a week in the hospital following the incident.
Investigations later revealed that a malfunctioning lithium-ion battery in an e-scooter caused the fire.
“I’m unsure how we all managed to escape unharmed, but thankfully, we’re all okay now,” Jahmell expressed.
New legislation enacted last year grants the government authority to hold online marketplaces liable for their products, but the LFB seeks additional laws to enforce stricter standards on batteries and conversion kits.
Deputy Commissioner Spencer Sutcliff stated that firefighters respond to an e-bike or e-scooter fire on average every other day.
“In just the early part of 2026, we’ve already witnessed multiple fires involving lithium-ion batteries, which can be explosive and lead to catastrophic results.”
Zack Polanski, Chair of the London Assembly Fire Committee, shared with the LDRS that the committee has raised “serious concerns” with the government since 2023.
“Even with several lives lost and numerous injuries due to failures involving e-bike lithium-ion batteries in London, it’s clear this issue continues to grow, raising serious alarms.”
“The Fire Committee remains committed to investigating these matters to protect London residents from fire hazards.”
