Buy Safe, Be Safe: avoid e-bike and e-scooter fires
Safety information for consumers.
E-bikes offer people an eco-friendly, affordable and convenient mode of transport, enabling more people to cycle and support their health and wellbeing. E-scooters can be used on private land but should not be used on public roads unless they are part of an official rental trial.
While most e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries are safe when used correctly, lithium-ion batteries can cause serious fires, particularly if of poor quality, when damaged or improperly used. There has been an increase in the number of fires in the UK and around the world linked to lithium-ion batteries, some of which have sadly led to people losing their lives.
The cause of fires
Unsafe, non-compliant or improperly used lithium-ion batteries can cause fires that can be particularly dangerous to people and property. The fires can start without warning, spread rapidly, and are very hard to extinguish. People should never try to extinguish lithium-ion battery fires themselves but leave the area or building as quickly as possible and call 999.
While e-bikes and e-scooters are used safely by millions of people every day, the risk of fire increases if they are:
- non-compliant (e.g. don’t meet safety rules)
- counterfeit
- damaged
- poorly manufactured
- used with an incompatible charger
- modified or repaired with non-compatible parts e.g. chargers, motor and battery
Take steps to reduce the risk of fires
If you own an e-bike or e-scooter, or are thinking about buying one, you should follow the steps below so you can enjoy these products safely and reduce the risk of fires.
Step 1: Buying an e-bike or e-scooter
- Do your research: Buy your e-bike or e-scooter from trusted sellers and look at reviews first. Products sold to UK consumers must meet UK safety laws: check whether the seller provides information about how they comply.
- Compliance marks: Look for the UKCA or CE mark on e-bikes and e-scooters which is required by UK product safety regulations.
Step 2: Looking after your e-bike or e-scooter
- Follow the instructions and guidelines: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage, charging, and maintenance. If instructions are missing, check the manufacturer’s website for guidance. Always follow the safety and usage instructions provided.
- Charge safely: Charge your battery in a safe location that does not block fire escape routes or exits. Do not cover the charger or battery. Charge when you are awake and present, not when you are asleep or away from home. Unplug once the battery is fully charged.
- Check compatibility: Make sure your charger is suitable for your battery, as not all e-bike or e-scooter batteries and chargers are safe when used together. Connecting the wrong charger to a battery can pose serious fire risks.
Step 3: Making changes to your e-bike or e-scooter
- Converting a bike to an e-bike: Only use a competent professional to convert a pedal bike to an e-bike.
- Use manufacturer recommended replacement parts: Only use manufacturer recommended e-bike and e-scooter replacement parts, chargers, and batteries.
- Repairs: If you need to repair your e-bike or e-scooter, always get a professional to carry out the work.
- Don’t tamper with the battery: Never attempt to modify or tamper with your battery.
Here’s a basic checklist of looking after your e-bike/e-scooter
| DO | DON’T |
|---|---|
| Only use the correct charger for your battery | Don’t overcharge your product and remove the charger if fully charged |
| Always unplug your charger when fully charged and keep it in a cool place | Don’t leave your device charging unattended or when you are asleep |
| Stop using your charger or battery immediately if you notice it overheating, deforming, making hissing or cracking noises, smelling, smoking or performing poorly | Don’t charge or store your battery in the hallway or where it could block escape routes |
Further guidance and information
Download the Buy Safe, Be Safe campaign resources
OPSS has previously banned certain unsafe e-bike batteries from the UK market. Find out what you should do if you have, or think you have, one of the affected UPP-branded batteries.
OPSS and local regulators identify and remove unsafe and non-compliant e-bikes, e-scooters, batteries and chargers from the market where they are identified. Search our Product Safety Reports, Recalls and Alerts website for products that have been subject to a report, alert or recall.
Find information on what an e-bike or e-cycle is
Read detailed guidance from the Department of Transport on battery safety for e-cycle / e-bike and e-scooter users.
You can also read about how to keep your home safe when charging your e-bike or e-scooter – Fire England website