Increase in e-bike and e-scooter fires raises safety concerns

Firefighters in London are attending an e-bike or e-scooter fire approximately every other day, according to the London Fire Brigade. In 2025, there were 206 reported fires involving these vehicles, with e-bikes accounting for 171 of the incidents. This rise in fire events has prompted the Brigade to launch the #ChargeSafe campaign, aimed at landlords, housing associations, and councils to raise awareness of the risks linked to lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and e-scooters.

Causes and risks associated with lithium-ion batteries

The London Fire Brigade identifies lithium-ion battery failures, conversion kits, and chargers as frequent causes of these fires. Products purchased online that do not meet UK safety standards, whether new or second-hand, are particularly prone to catching fire. The Brigade highlights that these fires can be explosive and have devastating consequences, emphasising the need for improved regulation and safer product standards.

In response, the UK government passed the Product Regulation and Metrology (PRAM) Act last year, designed to enhance product safety and measurement accuracy. The London Fire Brigade is urging the government to expedite its consultation on secondary legislation under this Act to better address the dangers posed by unsafe e-bike and e-scooter batteries.

Implications for landlords and practical safety measures

With e-bikes and e-scooters becoming increasingly common in rental properties, landlords face new challenges in managing fire risks. The London Fire Brigade encourages landlords to support the #ChargeSafe campaign by providing designated, safe storage and charging areas for these vehicles. Clear communication with tenants about these facilities is essential to mitigate risks.

Property expert Julie Ford advises landlords to inform tenants about designated charging areas and the legal implications of unauthorised charging. She explains: “If you’re a landlord with a designated charging area, make sure it’s clearly communicated to the tenant.”

Ford also highlights insurance concerns related to tenants charging e-bikes on the property and warns that lithium-ion battery fires cannot be easily extinguished, often requiring the battery to burn out naturally. She adds: “If you find an e-bike being charged in the property without permission, you have the legal right to confiscate it under the Interference with Goods Act 1977, provided you store it safely.”

Landlords must therefore adapt to the growing presence of e-bikes and e-scooters by implementing appropriate safety measures and clear tenancy agreements regarding their use and charging.

Government regulation and future outlook

Deputy Commissioner Spencer Sutcliff of the London Fire Brigade stresses the importance of government action: “We’ve been calling for regulation to improve product safety and are thankful for the work already done by the government to help tackle this issue. We look forward to working with the government on its consultation for secondary legislation, when it is introduced, to help tackle this issue head-on.”

He emphasises the urgency of introducing these measures to reduce the number of dangerous products available online and ultimately decrease fire incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters.

What it means for landlords

Landlords should proactively engage with tenants about the safe storage and charging of e-bikes and e-scooters to prevent fire hazards. Establishing designated charging areas, communicating clearly with tenants, and understanding the legal rights to manage unauthorised charging are practical steps to reduce risks. Awareness of insurance implications and compliance with safety standards will also be critical as the popularity of these vehicles grows within the private rented sector.

Suggested internal link anchors

• e-bike fire safety
• lithium-ion battery risks
• landlord tenant communication
• designated charging areas
• Interference with Goods Act 1977
• Product Regulation and Metrology Act
• fire safety in rental properties
• landlord insurance concerns
• safe storage for e-bikes
• London Fire Brigade #ChargeSafe campaign

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/