E-scooter fires caused by lithium batteries

Fires sparked by e-bikes and e-scooters have surged 149%, triggering a warning over the dangers of “exploding” lithium batteries ahead of Christmas.

Freedom of Information data obtained by the insurer Zurich reveals these transport devices were responsible for 167 fires in the UK last year, compared to just 67 in 2020 ¹.

Blazes this year are on course to exceed 2021, with 161 incidents recorded to the end of September – a 28% increase on last year’s monthly average.

Fire investigators say blazes are often linked to poor quality, damaged or incorrectly charged lithium batteries, which can explode if not handled properly.

Zurich fears a boom in Christmas sales combined with the squeeze on household budgets could fuel the trend, with consumers driven towards cheaper products that may not meet safety standards.

An investigation by consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First found 59 different listings online for e-bike chargers that fell below necessary safety standards.

A number of chargers didn’t even contain a fuse, which means there would be no way for the charger to cut out in the event of a fault, posing a serious risk of fire.

Earlier this year, the London Fire Brigade also urged caution over some DIY e-bike conversion kits selling on the internet, a trend they held responsible for a spate of fires in the capital.

In June, 60 London firefighters were needed to tackle a blaze on the 12th floor of a tower block in Shepherd’s Bush caused by a faulty e bike battery. In July, five people in Walthamstow were hospitalised by a fire started by an e-bike. And last month, an exploding e-scooter battery set a Hampshire house alight.

Zurich has seen several incidents involving lithium batteries, including an £84,000 claim for a scooter that went up in flames in a garage, £13,000 for an e-bike that exploded in a customer’s bedroom, and £6,000 for another that caught fire in a living room.

Alastair Thomson, Zurich’s Head of Property claims, said:

“E-bikes and e-scooters bring new benefits but also new risks. We’re concerned by an alarming rise in fires caused by devices that are unsafe or charged incorrectly.

“Christmas shoppers should be aware of the potential dangers of lithium batteries which, if not treated properly, can pose a serious fire risk.

“If you’re shopping for gifts powered by lithium batteries, always buy from a reputable brand and retailer, and ensure that safety standards have been met.”

Martyn Allen, Technical Director at Electrical Safety First, said:

“We urge people to be extremely careful in where they buy e-scooters and e-bikes, as well as the batteries and chargers for them.

“The lithium ion batteries that power these vehicles can cause explosive fires if they are of poor quality or misused, so exercising real care in how they are used and stored is also essential. Our main takeaway is firstly, buy products like these from a reputable retailer you know and trust and secondly, always follow the manufacturer's guidance on using them, including safe charging.”

Families have also been warned about the fire risks of lithium batteries found in other Christmas gifts, from children’s toys to laptops.

According to Zurich’s analysis, there were 168 other lithium battery blazes in 2021 – up 63% from 103 in 2020. Blazes are on course to exceed to last year, with 159 to the end of September.

Lithium battery blazes can leave households with costly bills averaging £15,000, Zurich’s claims figures show.

Recent claims include a cordless vacuum cleaner that burst into flames causing £65,000 of damage, a £36,000 fire involving a child’s electric bike that destroyed a garage and a £9,000 blaze sparked by a remote-control aircraft.

Thomson added:

“Never use or charge a battery if it is damaged and always use a compatible charger when powering up devices.”

¹ Freedom of Information data obtained by Zurich from 36 and of 45 fire authorities in the UK. Data for 2022 collected to end of September.

Tips on preventing lithium battery fires

• Only buy from reputable manufacturers or suppliers.
• Stop charging your device as soon as the battery is full and do not leave items charging overnight.
• Only use the charger supplied. Just because another charger has the same plug does not mean it will charge the battery correctly.
• If replacing a battery with “after-market” products, ensure that they are compatible with the appliance and the charger.
• Don’t use batteries which have been damaged.
• Charge away from combustibles and never under pillows or on soft furnishing.
• Charge on flat, solid, and stable surfaces.
• Don’t leave batteries on charge when you go out.
• Batteries should never be disposed of in the general waste. Always take used batteries to a recycling centre.