A converted e-bike’s lithium-ion battery sparked a fire that damaged part of a ground floor flat. Around 12 people evacuated safely before firefighters arrived. Luckily, no one was hurt.
Fire Brigade Blames Faulty E-Bike Battery
London Fire Brigade bosses say the blaze was accidental, sparked by a lithium-ion battery failure during fitting to a converted e-bike. A spokesperson warned: “Lithium-ion batteries can fail if the wrong chargers are used. E-bikes that have been converted carry significant risks.”
“When these batteries fail, they can scatter burning debris across a wide area, causing multiple fire spots,” the spokesperson added.
Safety Tips for Charging E-Bikes and E-Scooters
The Brigade advises charging e-bike batteries safely to prevent repeat incidents:
- Always use the correct charger, bought from reputable sellers.
- Let batteries cool down before recharging—they get warm during use and are vulnerable to failure if charged hot.
- Avoid knocks or damage to batteries during use or transport as it increases fire risk.
- Charge batteries in well-monitored spaces like garages or sheds, if possible.
- Never charge batteries while asleep to react quickly if something goes wrong.
Fast Fire Response Saved the Day
The Brigade was called at 8:21pm and had the fire under control by 8:42pm. Crews from Kentish Town, West Hampstead, and Holloway tackled the blaze. The quick response kept the damage and danger to a minimum.
Remember: always stay alert when charging your e-bike or e-scooter batteries. One tiny spark could turn into a massive fire.
