Is your e-bike battery safe?

03/06/2025

Electric bikes and scooters are a smart and eco-friendly way to get around – but did you know they’re also the fastest-growing cause of fires in London? Most of these fires happen at home while charging. But batteries are also being thrown into bins and later crushed, which can cause fires in waste trucks and near buildings.

It may seem worrying but by following a few simple safety steps, you can help protect yourself, your neighbours, and your home.

Watch the #ChargeSafe video

Tower Hamlets Council, in partnership with the London Fire Brigade, has created a short animation to help keep you safe by showing you how to spot the signs of a faulty battery, buy safely, prevent fires, and what to do in an emergency. Watch the video below, then scroll down to read our full safety guide with simple steps to protect yourself, your home, and your neighbours.

Play Video

Follow these key tips to stay safe

🤝🏼 Handle with care

Buy from trusted UK-approved brands
Follow manufacturer guidelines
Avoid second-hand batteries and chargers
Check for damage after any bumps or drops
Service your battery regularly and look out for recalls

🔌 Charge safely

Use the correct charger, plugged into a wall socket
Never charge overnight or when you’re out
Unplug it once fully charged
Keep exits clear – don’t block your way out
Make sure the vehicle is dry before charging

🏠 Store properly

Don’t leave it in communal areas or hallways
Keep it inside your home, away from escape routes

🔋 Dispose of batteries safely

Never put batteries in bins or chutes. They’re also no longer accepted at Ideas Stores, as these drop-off points are not equipped to handle the fire risk posed by lithium-ion batteries.

Instead, please take them to:

Northumberland Wharf recycling centre
Retailer take-back schemes (e.g. supermarkets, electronics shops)

Or search RecycleYourElectricals.org.uk for other local options.

What to do if there’s a fire

If your battery is smoking, it’s already on fire. Do not try to put it out yourself as it could explode. Get out immediately, close the door behind you, and call 999 as soon as you can.

Get protected

It’s a good idea to have home contents insurance to help cover your belongings if there’s a fire or other damage. We’ve teamed up with Thistle Tenant Risks to provide the My Home Contents Insurance scheme for tenants and leaseholders.

Home contents insurance Staying safe with your e-bike, e-scooter or mobility scooter Fire safety in your home

Remember to #ChargeSafe

As part of their #ChargeSafe campaign, the London Fire Brigade has also shared the video below on the growing risk of fires caused by e-bike and e-scooter batteries. In the video, firefighters share key advice on how to charge and store e-bikes and e-scooters safely – and what to do if a fire starts.