The hidden danger in your home: faulty E-Bike chargers and electrical fires

The threat of Lithium battery fires

These fires spread rapidly, engulfing rooms within seconds and blocking escape routes, trapping people inside.

In 2023, the London Fire Brigade attended 143 e-bike fires and 36 e-scooter blazes. Tragically, these incidents resulted in three deaths and around 60 injuries. Often, the culprits are incompatible chargers, unauthorised modifications, or counterfeit products bought online.

Safety first how to charge your E-Bike safely

To combat this rising danger, the London Fire Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign offers vital tips to keep you safe:

• Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Always adhere to the guidelines provided with your e-bike or e-scooter. Unplug chargers once the battery is fully charged.
• Use Approved Chargers: Stick to chargers recommended by the manufacturer. Counterfeit chargers might save you money, but they pose a severe fire risk.
• Avoid Overcharging: Follow the recommended charging times to prevent overheating.
• Stay Alert While Charging: Charge batteries while you’re awake and can monitor them. Avoid leaving them to charge overnight or while you€™re out.
• Install Heat Alarms: Equip your home with smoke alarms and consider heat alarms for areas like kitchens and garages where you charge these devices.

Beware of dangerous products

The Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued warnings about dangerous e-bike batteries, such as the UPP batteries linked to several fires. If you have these batteries, stop using them immediately and contact the seller for disposal options.

The surge in e-bike and e-scooter fires is alarming. In 2021, there were 59 reported fires involving these vehicles, which skyrocketed to 155 e-bike fires and 28 e-scooter fires in 2023’a staggering 78% increase. A recent fire in Whitechapel required 40 firefighters and resulted in two rescues via ladder.

Protect your home with FireAngel smoke alarms

In the event of a fire, every second counts. Having a reliable smoke alarm can make the difference between life and death. FireAngel smoke alarms provide quick responses, giving you and your family the crucial time needed to escape safely. This August, join the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) in their Smoke Alarm Purchasing Month campaign and make sure your home is equipped with the best protection.

As e-bikes and e-scooters become more popular, so does the fire risk associated with their batteries. By following safe charging practices, using approved products, and installing reliable smoke alarms like the Optical Smoke Alarm (FA6620-R), you can protect your home and loved ones from devastating electrical fires.

Read our blog on where the best places are for fire and co alarms here: What Fire and CO Alarms to Install at Home and Where | FireAngel