9 April Lithium-ion batteries: Increase in ebike and escooter fires in 2025 The Guardian recently reported that, following an investigation by the Press Association, ebike and escooter fires are at a record high in the UK, with 432 ebike fires and 147 escooter fires reported in 2025. This is a significant increase on the 313 ebike fires and 124 escooter fires reported in 2024. The majority of these fires were reported by the London Fire Brigade (206, bikes and scooters), Nottinghamshire (30 bikes), Greater Manchester (13 ebikes, 13 escooters) and Avon (10). As such, the online market for lithium-ion batteries has been called into question. These figures follow a recent fire at Glasgow Station, that was also reportedly caused by lithium-ion batteries, and highlight the growing concerns around safe storage and faulty or counterfeit products. Counterfeit products The London Fire Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign advises that: “Many of these fires are caused by incompatible chargers, modifications to e-bikes, or faulty or counterfeit products which are purchased online. This includes chargers, lithium batteries and conversion kits for e-bikes.” The concerns regarding counterfeit products and the online marketplace are echoed by the National Fire Chief’s Council, calling for tighter controls on online sales. What are the risks? Lithium-ion batteries have become commonplace in daily life, being used to power smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, ecigarettes, ebikes and escooters. These offer advantages such as fast charging, low maintenance, and prolonged life spans. However, poorly maintained, incorrectly used, or counterfeit batteries pose several key risks: Thermal runaway: A battery’s internal temperature rises uncontrollably, leading to a chain reaction of exothermic reactions. This can result in the release of flammable gases, increased pressure, fires or explosions Toxic gases: During a fire, batteries can release toxic gases, including carbon monoxide or volatile organic compounds Reignition: During thermal runaway, fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are incredibly hard to control and extinguish, and can often result in significant damage Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries can spread quickly, and can cause significant damage to property, and even loss of life. Protecting your workforce Workplaces are also vulnerable to these risks when lithium-ion battery powered equipment is used, or when staff bring their own electrical items into the workplace. Some simple steps that can be taken to protect your workplace: Implement a clear personal electrical items policy. This should prohibit charging of high‑risk items (such as e‑bike batteries and modified electronics), require visual checks for damage, and restrict charging to designated, monitored areas equipped with smoke detection. Provide staff training. Employees should understand that “cut‑price” or counterfeit devices pose a real danger to colleagues and property, as well as posing significant risks outside of work. Toolbox talks can be implemented to ensure staff are aware and aligned to the personal electrical items policy. Conduct appropriate risk assessments and implement safety strategies: For any work-obtained products containing lithium-ion batteries, ensure these are purchased from reputable suppliers. Conduct a suitable risk assessment, or include in the fire safety risk assessment, and ensure that any precautionary measures are put in place to minimise any damage Work equipment: If you are buying any lithium-ion battery powered equipment, ensure this is from a reputable manufacturer and complies with your company’s supplier requirements. Make sure that equipment is maintained in a suitable condition, regularly inspected, and subject to suitable control measures. Get support If you require any support with a personal electrical device policy, lithium-ion battery advice or risk assessments, reach out to LRB Consulting Ltd today on 01509 550023 or at enquiries@lrbconsulting.co.uk