UK sees record ebike and e-scooter fires in 2025
UK sees record ebike and e-scooter fires in 2025
Record-high ebike and e-scooter fires push safety warnings as the UK logs 432 ebike and 147 e-scooter blazes in 2025, with online marketplaces blamed.
UK’s record-high ebike and e-scooter fires in 2025 have prompted renewed safety warnings after fire services logged at least 432 ebike blazes and 147 e-scooter fires last year. The numbers mark a 38% rise for ebikes and a 20% rise for e-scooters from 2024, based on FOI responses from 37 of the UK’s 49 fire brigades.
London recorded by far the most incidents, with 171 ebike fires and 35 e-scooter blazes in 2025. Nottinghamshire reported 30 ebike fires, while Greater Manchester and Avon logged smaller totals for e-scooter incidents. In many cases, fires start with lithium batteries, conversion kits, or chargers, and products bought online appear at greater risk of malfunctioning than those from established retailers.
Experts warn about a growing black market for DIY and counterfeit batteries, particularly among delivery riders who use cells reclaimed from used disposable devices. Advocacy groups say there is a need for tighter regulation of online marketplaces and stricter standards on chargers and batteries, especially given the toxic vapours that can be released in a blaze. Last year, a 30-year-old woman died in a north London home blaze linked to such batteries, underscoring the danger.
Consumers are urged to buy from reputable retailers, monitor battery performance, and follow manufacturer guidance. While ebikes and e-scooters offer practical transport, the safety warnings from fire services and safety groups emphasize ongoing vigilance as the market grows.
