As electric personal vehicles such as e bikes and e scooters become more common, so too has the rise in fires linked to their lithium-ion batteries. We are proud to support the London Fire Brigades #ChargeSafe campaign. This vital initiative raises awareness about safe charging and storage to protect homes, residents, and buildings. 

Despite the campaign launching in 2023, the campaign is more relevant than ever as the London Fire Brigade announced in a recent blog that If Lithium-ion battery fires continue at the same rate then London will exceed 200 Lithium-ion incidents for the first time.

In the article Assistant Commissioner for Prevention & Protection of London Fire Brigade, Pamela Oparaocha, said “We launched our #ChargeSafe campaign in 2023 to highlight the fire risks with e-bikes and e-scooters; however the rising number of incidents we attend clearly demonstrate the urgent need for further awareness to help protect lives and avoid future tragedies.”

Why Lithium Battery Fires Are Such a Fire Safety Threat

Lithium-ion batteries power many of our modern conveniences, from e bikes and e scooters to laptops and tools. However, when damaged, overcharged, or exposed to heat, these batteries can fail catastrophically through a process known as thermal runaway. This is a rapid, self-heating chemical reaction that can cause temperatures to exceed 600°C. Once ignited, these fires spread quickly, emit toxic gases, and can re-ignite even after appearing extinguished. 

In residential settings, particularly blocks of flats, this creates a severe risk. Fires often start in communal areas used for charging or storage, where smoke and flames can block escape routes within seconds. The London Fire Brigade records an average of one e-bike or e-scooter fire every two days in London. Many of these fires are linked to unsafe charging or the use of incompatible chargers. As e mobility grows, understanding these risks and acting responsibly is more important than ever. 

Below are practical steps for residents and responsible persons, reflecting the LFB guidance plus our own best-practice recommendations. 

5 Tips for Residents

1. Avoid charging in communal areas: Never charge e-bikes, e-scooters, or other electric personal vehicles (EPPVs) in hallways, stairwells, or escape routes. 
2. Use correct chargers and follow instructions: Only charge with the manufacturer-supplied or approved charger and monitor for signs of battery damage or overheating. 
3. Stay alert while charging. Avoid charging overnight or leaving the battery on charge and unattended unless in a specified charging location and always unplug as soon as charging is complete.
   
4. Inspect batteries regularly: Check for swelling, corrosion, or damage and stop using defective batteries immediately. 
5. Keep flammable items away: Store EPPVs and batteries away from fabrics, paper, or other combustible materials while charging or storing. 

5 Tips for Responsible Persons

1. Enforce communal area rules: Ban EPPV storage or charging in corridors, stairwells, riser cupboards, or any escape routes and communicate this to residents. 
2. Include EPPVs in fire risk assessments: Regularly review where EPPVs are stored or charged and update risk assessments accordingly. 
3. Provide dedicated, safe storage/charging facilities: Where possible, offer fire-resistant rooms or external areas designed for EPPV charging with proper ventilation and signage. 
4. Plan for emergency scenarios: Ensure fire crews can access EPPV storage/charging areas, and consider isolation switches or suppression systems for high-risk rooms. 
5. Educate residents: Provide guidance on safe charging, proper battery handling, and risks of thermal runaway to reduce fire incidents.

By understanding the risks associated with lithium battery charging and following the London Fire Brigade’s #ChargeSafe guidance, residents and housing providers can significantly reduce the chance of fire and protect both people and property.

Need help?

If you manage a block of flats, a mixed-use property or a portfolio of housing assets and want expert advice on safe e-mobility charging/storage solutions, Fire Risk Assessment updates or tenant-communications support we’re here to help.