E-bikes, e-scooters and electric wheelchair safety

Fires caused by lithium batteries are increasing. 

Storing and charging electric bikes, scooters and wheelchairs safely can mean the difference between life and death. 

If you live in a council owned building, you must not use shared areas or corridors to store electric bikes, scooters and wheelchairs. You can find more information about what you are allowed to keep in shared areas.

Never block exits and doorways with your e-bike, scooter or wheelchair. This could prevent you from leaving your home quickly in an emergency.  

It is vital that you have a smoke alarm in the area where you keep or charge your electric bikes, scooters, wheelchairs or other items with lithium batteries. You can get a free alarm from the London Fire Brigade. Find out more here.

Remember to:

• never leave a battery charging when you’re asleep or away from home 
• let batteries cool down after you have used your vehicle before re-charging
• visit the London Fire Brigade page for more advice on lithium batteries
• email fireadvisors@camden.gov.uk if you have a question about storing e-bikes, e-scooters or wheelchairs safely.

How to use lithium batteries safely 

Follow these essential guidelines to ensure the safe handling and maintenance of lithium batteries:

• only buy batteries from a trusted seller to make sure they meet safety standards 
• follow the manufacturers’ instructions to charge the battery and unplug the charger when you’ve finished using it 
• charge batteries on hard flat surfaces so that they don’t overheat 
• never leave a battery charging when you’re asleep or away from home 
• check batteries regularly to make sure they are in good condition – they can be dangerous if they have been damaged 
• keep batteries out of sunlight and put them somewhere cool, especially on hot days 
• leave the battery to cool down after you have used your vehicle before charging again.

The London Fire Brigade has more information about lithium batteries and how to keep yourself safe. 

Download our leaflet on e-bike safety

Battery safety guidance

The Government have shared guidance on battery safety for both e-scooters and e-bikes to raise awareness for owners on how to safely purchase an e-cycle or e-scooter, ensure it meets manufacturing requirements and is only bought from reputable sellers.

The guidance, published on 1 Feb 2024, also covers safe storage and charging, the warning signs for fire risk and how to address them, and how to dispose of batteries responsibly. The guidance also reminds people that e-scooters cannot be used legally on roads unless they are part of an official rental trial.

Safety guidance for e-bike or e-scooter owners or buyers

The Office for Product Safety and Standards have shared guidance highlighting the steps people should take when owning or thinking of buying an e-bike or scooter. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the UK’s national product regulator, recommends you follow these five steps when purchasing, using or charging your e-bike or e-scooter to reduce fire risks:

Step 1 - Research 

Only buy an e-bike, e-scooter, charger or battery from a known seller and check any product reviews.

Step 2 - Read 

Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using e-bikes or e-scooters.

Step 3 - Check 

Not all e-bike or e-scooter batteries and chargers are compatible or safe when used together. Check and only use the manufacturer’s recommended battery or charger.

Step 4 - Charge

Always charge in a safe place without blocking exits and always unplug your charger when you have finished charging.

Step 5 - Never

Attempt to modify or tamper with your battery.

The guidance, published 6 December 2023, follows several fire incidents, some of them fatal, involving lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters, including in conversion kits.