Lithium-ion battery fires from e-bikes and e-scooters are becoming a growing safety concern for UK workplaces, with incidents rising by 93% between 2022 and 2024, according to Electrical Safety First. In London, these fires occur every two days on average, posing significant risks to businesses and employees. Astutis, a leading provider of accredited health, safety and environmental training, has issued an urgent alert, calling for immediate action.
Brenig Moore, technical director at Astutis, stressed the need for proactive measures. “e-Bikes and e-Scooters powered by lithium-ion batteries present a serious risk for businesses with communal areas and large numbers of employees on-site if they are not managed proactively. It is imperative that all organisations assess the use and storage of them to ensure no undue risk is present. Be sure to check any nearby communal areas where they might be stored, such as bike sheds, hallways, corridors and foyers.”
UK fire services now tackle at least three lithium-ion battery fires daily, with e-bikes linked to 27% of these incidents in 2024. The main danger comes from thermal runaway, a process where a battery fault triggers an uncontrollable chemical reaction that releases intense heat and flammable gases. This can cause fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish, endangering lives and property. Many incidents involve substandard or counterfeit batteries, incompatible chargers, or modified e-bikes, often purchased from unregulated online sellers. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has linked UPP e-bike batteries to multiple fires across England and urged consumers not to use them.
Astutis advises workplaces to limit or ban charging of unapproved e-bikes to reduce fire risks, ensure all chargers undergo regular Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), and carry out frequent fire risk assessments to identify problem storage areas such as bike sheds and communal spaces. The OPSS adds that consumers should buy only from reputable retailers, follow manufacturer instructions, use compatible and approved chargers, charge devices in safe open areas away from exits, unplug once charging is complete, and never modify batteries.
In December 2024, the UK government introduced statutory guidelines under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, requiring safety mechanisms in lithium-ion batteries to prevent thermal runaway. Manufacturers must ensure batteries are safe under normal use and protected from damage. Businesses are urged to train staff in emergency procedures and keep fire risk assessments up to date. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service highlighted the importance of these steps after the September 2023 warehouse fire in Great Notley, which involved stored lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion battery fires cost the UK economy an estimated £158 million annually, fuelled by 201 waste fires each year. Electrical Safety First warns that substandard batteries are “tearing through homes” and workplaces and calls for stricter regulation to stop unsafe products reaching the market.
By acting now, businesses can protect staff and property while supporting the safe use of e-bikes, which remain a valuable and eco-friendly form of transport. Ignoring the risks could lead to legal consequences, reputational damage and serious harm.