London Fire Brigade launches #ChargeSafe campaign to prevent battery fires

Whilst e-bikes and e-scooters offer a great way round the city, if the batteries become damaged or begin to fail they can start large fires within seconds. 

Fires involving lithium batteries are the fastest growing fire risk in London. Fires involving e-bikes rose from three in 2020, to 87 in 2022 and 143 in 2023. On average, in 2023 London Fire Brigade attended an e-bike or e-scooter fire once every two days. 

E-bike and e-scooter batteries can start incredibly ferocious fires when damaged. Within minutes a battery fire can spread dangerously out of control.

The #ChargeSafe campaign urges people to stay safe and:

• Don't charge your batteries by your front door or any other escape route
• Never charge your batteries when you are asleep 
• Only buy your batteries and charger from a reputable seller

Learn more about the dangers of these batteries.