February 2026
Electric Bike and Scooter Safety
The advice contained here summarises battery safety advice. More detailed information could be found in guidance published by the Department for Transport.
Before a lithium-ion battery catches fire, there may be warning signs that it is about to fail. If you see any of these signs you must take action immediately and stop using your battery to stay safe and reduce the risk of fire.
The warning signs your e-bike or e-scooter battery is a fire hazard
A fire can develop quickly, within a few seconds, and often without warning. Formation of smoke or a white vapour cloud indicate the start of battery failure and fire. Listed below are other signs that your battery is a fire hazard.
You must stop using or charging your battery immediately if you notice any of the following:
Overheating: If your device’s battery feels extremely hot to the touch
Deformation: If your battery looks swollen. Similar signs include any type of lump or leaking from the device.
Noise: If your battery is making hissing or cracking sounds.
Smell: If you notice a strong or unusual smell coming from the battery
Performance: If your battery does not fully charge or is taking longer to charge than normal
Smoke: If your battery or device is smoking.
How to reduce the risk of fires from your e-bikes or e-scooters’ lithium battery
The majority of fires related to e-bikes and e-scooters have happened in homes. These fires often happen when charging batteries. There are a number of ways you can reduce the risk of fire when charging your e-bike or e-scooter battery in the home.
Safely charging your e-bike or e-scooter
Don’t charge e-bikes and e-scooters in bedrooms or where escape routes can be blocked – for example, hallways.
Don’t leave your battery charging unattended, when you are out or while you are asleep.
Don’t cover chargers or battery packs when charging
Don’t overload sockets or use inappropriate extension leads
Don’t charge or store batteries in direct sunlight or in hot locations (above 45⁰C)
Don’t charge batteries close to combustible materials or hazardous substances.
Always unplug your charger when you have finished charging
If your battery can be removed from your e-bike or e-scooter and charged separately, it should be charged on a hard flat surface where heat can disperse and in area with good ventilation.
Maintaining your e-bike or e-scooter
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using your product.
Always use the manufacturer-approved battery and charger.
If you need a replacement battery or charger for your e-bike or e-scooter go directly back to the manufacturer or retailer you bought it from to ensure it’s safe.
Regularly inspect your product and check for damage or warning signs that your battery might be failing and becoming a fire risk.
Don’t attempt to modify or tamper with your battery.
E-Bike conversion kits
Conversion kits change standard bicycles into e-bikes.
It is recommended that a professional carries out an e-bike conversion. They will be responsible for ensuring that the e-bike is safe and fitted with the correct motor, battery and charger.
Installing a conversion kit yourself could lead to safety issues with your e-bike and increase the risk of fire.
Furthermore, it could invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty and make you responsible for any consequent damage or accident. If you modify an e-bike to increase its power or speed then it may no longer be legal to use on public roads
For Further Information, Please visit: Fire England and Gov.uk