Eighteen people have died and nearly 700 have been injured in fires caused by e-bikes and e-scooters, according to new data. These fatalities, recorded by fire and rescue services across the UK from 2019 to 2025, include individuals who became trapped in burning homes, attempted to escape from high windows, or inhaled toxic smoke.
More than 2,000 fires were started by e-bikes, e-scooters, or their batteries during this period, as revealed by Freedom of Information requests made by BBC Verify. The data indicates a year-on-year increase in incidents, with almost half of these fires originating in homes or garages.
London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha stated that the service is "increasingly concerned by the significant fire risk" posed by some of these vehicles. Investigations suggest that many fires have involved second-hand vehicles or bikes modified with parts bought online. The government's "Buy Safe, Be Safe" campaign advises consumers to look for UKCE or CE product safety marks when purchasing e-bikes or e-scooters.
Dr Simon Jones from the University of Warwick explained that lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy, but if faulty, over-charged, or damaged, this energy can be released rapidly as flame jets and burning projectiles. Such incidents in a home can lead to fast-spreading fires that engulf a room in seconds, potentially blocking escape routes and releasing toxic fumes.