E-bike fires: the risk UK businesses need to manage

E-bike fires have become one of the most urgent fire-safety challenges facing British businesses in 2025. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) now warns that the capital could suffer more than 200 e-bike and e-scooter fires this year alone, that’s roughly one incident every other day. With lithium-ion battery failures identified as the primary cause, the risks extend far beyond individual riders and now threaten workplaces, fleets and entire gig-economy operations.

Why E-Bike Fires Are Surging Across the UK

The rapid growth of food-delivery and last-mile logistics has flooded UK streets with thousands of e-bikes and e-scooters. Unfortunately, many of these vehicles are powered by low-cost, unregulated lithium-ion batteries bought online. When these cells are poorly manufactured, overcharged or damaged, they can enter “thermal runaway” an unstoppable chain reaction that produces intense heat, toxic smoke and explosive flames in seconds.

Recent LFB data reveals the human cost: multiple fatalities, life-changing injuries and millions of pounds in property damage. These are no longer isolated incidents, they are a predictable consequence of unchecked battery quality and unsafe charging habits.

The Gig Economy Fire Risk No Company Can Afford to Overlook

Delivery giants such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat employ tens of thousands of riders who depend on e-bikes daily. When a rider charges a faulty battery overnight in a shared house, restaurant kitchen or even inside a company van, the entire premises and everyone in it, is put at risk.

The LFB has already announced plans to formally contact major platforms, urging them to distribute clear safety guidance and training. Smart businesses are going further: introducing mandatory lithium-ion battery safety modules, banning overnight charging on site and auditing the batteries riders use.

7 Proven Steps for Effective E-Bike Fire Prevention

1. Source only certified batteries - Insist on UKCA or CE-marked cells from reputable suppliers.
2. Train every rider - Deliver regular sessions on safe charging, storage and early warning signs.
3. Install dedicated charging zones - Use fire-resistant cabinets with smoke detection and automatic suppressants.
4. Ban modified or “conversion” kits - These almost always void safety certifications.
5. Carry out regular battery health checks - Look for swelling, heat or damage and remove immediately.
6. Update insurance policies - Many standard policies now exclude or limit lithium-ion claims.
7. Create an emergency response plan - Ensure staff know how to evacuate and when never to fight a lithium-ion fire with water.

The Urgent Call for Stronger Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Regulations

Charities such as Electrical Safety First and the LFB continue to campaign for tighter government controls on online sales of batteries and chargers. Until robust regulation arrives, the responsibility falls on employers and fleet managers to protect their people and premises.

How AL23 Safety Helps Businesses Stay Ahead of E-Bike Fires

At AL23 Safety, we specialise in bespoke fire-risk assessments and lithium-ion battery safety programmes tailored to delivery fleets, restaurants, warehouses and property managers. Our services include:

• On-site risk audits specific to e-bike and e-scooter use
• Accredited training for riders and supervisors
• Design and supply of fire-safe charging stations
• Ongoing compliance support and documentation

Don’t wait for the next headline-making blaze. The statistics are clear: e-bike fires are rising fast but the right precautions can virtually eliminate the threat.

Contact AL23 Safety today for a no-obligation consultation and take control of this growing risk before it reaches your doorstep.