E-Bike and E-Scooter Fires Surge to Record High as Lithium Battery Failures and Unregulated Sales Drive Crisis

In 2025, incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters catching fire reached a new peak, with 432 e-bike fires reported—a 38% rise compared to 2024—and 147 e-scooter fires, representing a 20% annual increase. These events are frequently linked to defective lithium-ion batteries, conversion kits, and subpar charging equipment, prompting urgent alerts from safety authorities and regulatory agencies. The London Fire Brigade documented the highest number of fires, with Greater Manchester and Nottinghamshire identified as areas with significant incidents. According to a report by the Office for Product Safety and Standards, the situation is worsening rapidly, with the number of incidents increasing over a five-year span. The problem is exacerbated by the widespread availability of inexpensive, unregulated products from online marketplaces, which often lack necessary safety certifications. Nick Bailey of BatteryIQ characterized these devices as ‘low-cost products’ with minimal quality oversight, pointing to a black market for do-it-yourself and counterfeit batteries as a key factor in the crisis.

Battery Failures and Regulatory Gaps

The primary cause of e-bike and e-scooter fires is the malfunction of lithium-ion batteries, which are susceptible to thermal runaway—a reaction that can occur due to manufacturing flaws, physical damage, or improper charging. A report by Astutis, a safety training company, noted that 206 fires were recorded in 2025 when including e-scooters, up from 142 in 2024, indicating a 20% increase. The report highlighted that workplace charging of unapproved devices and the use of non-certified chargers are significant contributors to the problem. ‘Organizations must evaluate storage and charging practices to prevent workplace fires,’ warned Brenig Moore, Technical Director at Astutis.

“low-cost products' with minimal quality oversight, pointing to a black market for do-it-yourself and counterfeit batteries as a key factor in the crisis.”

The role of online marketplaces in intensifying the issue is significant. A 2025 study by the University of Manchester found that 68% of e-bike batteries sold on unregulated platforms failed to meet basic safety standards, compared to 12% on certified retailers. This difference is partly due to the absence of strict regulatory oversight in many countries, allowing counterfeit batteries and chargers to dominate the market. For instance, in New York City, over 60 e-bike fire incidents were reported in the first half of 2024, leading to five fatalities. The study also noted that lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters are particularly vulnerable to overheating, especially when stored in enclosed spaces or charged overnight. These findings align with warnings from Which? that unsafe products are increasingly saturating online marketplaces.

Human and Environmental Impact

The consequences of e-bike and e-scooter fires extend beyond property damage, posing serious risks to public health and safety. Lithium battery fires release toxic vapors, including hydrogen fluoride and carbon monoxide, which can cause respiratory distress and long-term health effects. In 2023, New York City reported 216 e-bike fires, resulting in six deaths, with lithium batteries accounting for 18 of those fatalities. The city’s Fire Department noted that most incidents occurred during charging, underscoring the need for safer storage and charging practices. Electrical Safety First warned that the problem is ‘swiftly becoming a runaway train’, with the number of incidents expected to rise unless stringent measures are implemented.

The human toll is compounded by the fact that many e-bike users are delivery workers and gig economy laborers, who rely on these devices for daily commuting. Lesley Rudd of the charity emphasized that the danger is not limited to the devices themselves but also to the environments in which they are used. ‘Poorly made batteries can ignite in seconds, endangering not only users but also bystanders and emergency responders,’ she said. These concerns have prompted calls for stricter safety regulations, including mandatory battery certifications and public education campaigns to raise awareness of the risks.

Regulatory Responses

In response to the crisis, governments and regulatory bodies have begun implementing measures to mitigate the risks associated with e-bike and e-scooter fires. The UK government’s consultation on online platform responsibilities aims to hold sellers accountable for the safety of products they distribute, requiring platforms to ‘prevent, identify, and remove dangerous products.’ Additionally, e-scooters and e-bikes are banned from the Tube, reflecting broader legal restrictions on their use in public spaces. Private e-scooters remain illegal in public areas but are often ridden illegally, further complicating enforcement efforts.

In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued guidelines for e-bike users, emphasizing the importance of purchasing from reputable manufacturers and using certified chargers. The CPSC also recommends avoiding the use of conversion kits, which often lack proper safety features. These efforts reflect a growing recognition that the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries require a coordinated approach involving manufacturers, regulators, and consumers.

“Organizations must evaluate storage and charging practices to prevent workplace fires,' warned Brenig Moore, Technical Director at Astutis.”

Consumer Safety and the Path Forward

For individual users, the key to preventing e-bike and e-scooter fires lies in adopting best practices for battery management and device maintenance. Safety experts recommend charging e-bikes indoors in dry conditions, using only manufacturer-approved chargers, and avoiding overcharging. Lithium-ion batteries prevent overcharging once they reach 100%, but users should never leave devices unattended during charging, said a spokesperson for Office for Product Safety and Standards. Additionally, storing e-bikes in well-ventilated areas and replacing batteries after their lifespan—typically after 300–700 charge cycles—can significantly reduce the risk of thermal runaway.

The long-term solution, however, requires systemic changes in manufacturing and regulation. As the global shift toward electric mobility accelerates, the need for robust safety standards becomes increasingly urgent. While e-bikes and e-scooters offer environmental and mobility benefits, their proliferation must be accompanied by stringent safety measures to prevent tragedies. The balance between innovation and safety will determine whether these devices can continue to serve as viable alternatives to traditional transportation without compromising public safety. For now, the focus remains on raising awareness, enforcing regulations, and ensuring that every e-bike and e-scooter on the road meets the highest safety standards.