Students warned over deadly e-bike fire risk as incidents soar five-fold

The warning comes as new figures show the number of e-bike fires recorded across the UK has increased more than five-fold since 2021¹. For public-sector organisations, including universities, colleges, student accommodation providers and local authorities, the trend highlights a growing fire safety challenge.

Why are e-bike fires becoming a bigger concern?

The growing popularity of e-bikes has brought clear benefits, offering an affordable and sustainable way to travel. However, concerns are increasing around the safety of lithium-ion batteries, particularly where batteries, chargers or conversion kits may not meet recognised safety standards.

Fire brigade data obtained by the Press Association shows at least 432 e-bike fires were recorded across the UK in 2025, up from 84 in 2021.

Recent figures reported by the BBC² also found that 18 people have died and nearly 700 have been injured in fires caused by e-bikes and e-scooters since 2019.

Analysis by the Office for Product Safety and Standards³ found almost half (46.9%) of a sample of e-bike fires involved converted e-bikes. These conversions may not have been tested to the same standards as purpose-built products, increasing the risk of battery failure and fire.

What risks do student households face?

Shared student accommodation can create conditions where the consequences of a battery fire become more severe.

Multiple tenants may own e-bikes or e-scooters, meaning several lithium-ion batteries could be stored or charged within the same property. If a battery fails, the resulting fire can develop rapidly, producing intense heat, explosive gases and toxic smoke.

Many universities have already introduced restrictions on the storage and charging of personal e-bikes and e-scooters on campus because of these risks. However, those controls often do not extend to privately rented student housing.

For housing providers, universities and local authorities, raising awareness of safe charging practices remains an important part of reducing fire risk and protecting residents.

Taking simple steps to reduce the risk

Students can significantly reduce the likelihood of a battery fire by choosing certified products and following safe charging habits.

Hayley Howard, Large Loss Claims expert at Zurich UK, said:

"We know students need to watch their spending, and e-bikes can be a convenient way to get around campus. However, no quick travel hack is worth risking lives for.

Given the spike in fires involving e-bikes we're urging all students heading off to uni this month to take extra care about where and how they charge theirs. Make sure your kit is safe and certified, and that you and your housemates could get out of the building if the worst happened."

E-bike safety checklist

If you own or manage an e-bike, consider the following precautions:

• Buy e-bikes from reputable sellers who can demonstrate compliance with relevant UK safety standards
• Use only the charger and battery supplied with the original bike
• Avoid sharing chargers between different batteries or bikes
• Replace batteries and chargers only with approved products from trusted suppliers
• Where possible, store and charge e-bikes in a shed or garage separate from the main building
• Avoid charging e-bikes in communal areas or along escape routes
• Do not overload sockets or extension leads
• Unplug chargers once charging is complete
• Never leave an e-bike charging overnight
• Stop using any battery showing signs of damage, swelling or overheating

Why public-sector organisations should take notice

The rise in e-bike fires is not solely a concern for individual users. Universities, colleges, housing associations and local authorities all have a role to play in raising awareness of battery safety and ensuring residents, students and staff understand the risks.

As sustainable transport use continues to grow, promoting safe charging and storage practices will be increasingly important in helping prevent avoidable fires and protecting communities.

Sources

¹Fire brigade figures obtained by the Press Association show there were at least 432 e-bike fires recorded across the UK in 2025, up 38% from 313 the previous year and more than five times higher than the 84 recorded in 2021

²18 deaths from battery fires show hidden danger of UK's e-bike boom - BBC News

³Fires in e-bikes and e-scooters - GOV.UK