Figures obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests have found that there were 432 e-bike and e-scooter fires in the UK in 2025 – a record high

An investigation carried out by the Press Association analysed battery-related incidents attended by fire and rescue services between 2021 and 2025. FOIs were issued to 49 UK fire and rescue services, with 37 brigades responding.

The data revealed that there were 20% more e-scooter fires in 2025 (147) than in 2024 (123). The highest number of e-bike and e-scooter fires was reported by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) – 171 and 35 respectively – followed by Nottinghamshire (30) and Greater Manchester (13). With these devices containing lithium-ion batteries, the causes of these fires were mostly down to faulty or damaged batteries, the use of DIY conversion kits, or chargers that had overheated.

As reported by The Guardian, Nick Bailey of BatteryIQ noted that such fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters were “always cut-price products sold through online marketplaces with lax quality control.”

He added: “There’s also a growing black market in DIY and counterfeit batteries, particularly for delivery riders, built using battery cells reclaimed from used disposable vapes.”

According to BBC News, there has been a “major spike” in the number of e-bike fires recorded by Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Merseyside fire and rescue services, with 54 fires in 2025.

These latest statistics have led to renewed calls for greater regulation of online marketplaces selling counterfeit batteries and charging devices used in e-bikes and e-scooters. Consumers are also being warned of the dangers of lithium-ion battery fires, which can spread rapidly and produce toxic vapour.

Head of Prevention at Greater Manchester FRS, Karl Gibbons, agreed that many of these fires were caused by DIY conversion kits and batteries that were not bought from an approved dealer.

"Buy a device from an approved reputable dealer. Look for UKCA or CE markings to show that that's been quality-checked in terms of the build,” he urged.

In March 2026, the government published new consultations with proposals to update product safety rules to better protect consumers, as per the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025. The proposals include greater regulation of online marketplaces. More details can be found here.