Electric Scooters And Electric Bikes

Staying Safe with E-bikes, E-Scooters and Mobility Scooters

There are various items (e-bikes, e-scooters and mobility scooters) which may come into your home which could become a fire hazard if not cared for correctly. They use batteries called lithium ion batteries. You can charge these batteries at home, just like you charge a phone or tablet.

But sometimes, these batteries can go wrong. If they get damaged or too hot, they might catch fire or even explode. That’s why it’s important to be careful when charging and storing them.

Charging Your Battery

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging, and always unplug your charger when it’s finished charging
  • Make sure you have a working smoke detector where you are storing your e-bike or e-scooter and test it regularly
  • Charge batteries whilst you are awake and alert, so if a fire should occur, you can respond quickly. Don’t leave batteries to charge while you are asleep or away from home
  • Don’t overcharge the battery. Unplug it as soon as it’s fully charged
  • Only use the charger that came with your item or one recommended by the manufacturer
  • Don’t charge your battery near flammable materials like curtains or sofas
  • If the battery or charger gets very hot, smells strange or looks damaged, stop using it immediately

Buying Your Bike or Scooter

Buy e-bikes, e-scooters and chargers and batteries from reputable retailers. Many fires involve counterfeit electrical goods. Items which don’t meet British or European standards pose a fire risk. While genuine chargers (or battery packs) may cost more, it’s not worth putting your life at risk and potentially destroying your home by buying a fake charger to save a few pounds.

Storing Your E-bike, E-Scooter and Mobility Scooters

  • Store items and their batteries in a cool place. Avoid storing them in very hot or cold areas
  • Keep batteries away from heat sources like radiators
  • Store items somewhere you can easily see them, so you’ll notice if something goes wrong

Signs of a Problem

Stop using your e-bike, e-scooter or mobility scooter immediately if you notice:

  • The battery is swollen, hot or leaking
  • A strange smell coming from the battery or charger
  • The battery takes much longer than normal to charge
  • The device isn’t working properly

If you notice any of these signs, contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair person.

What to Do in a Fire

If a battery catches fire:

  • Get out of your home immediately and close the door behind you
  • Call 999 and ask for the fire service
  • Don’t try to put the fire out yourself
  • Don’t move the device or battery

Lithium ion battery fires can be very dangerous and difficult to put out. Your safety is more important than saving the item.

If You Live in a Flat

You must not store or charge e-bikes, e-scooters or mobility scooters in communal areas. This includes hallways, stairwells and shared storage areas. These are escape routes and must be kept clear at all times.

If a fire starts in a communal area, it could block the exit for you and your neighbours.

If you need to store or charge your item and don’t have space in your flat, please contact us. We may be able to help find a solution.

Page last updated: 20th November 2025