ChargeSafe campaign tackles battery safety risks for e-bike and e-scooter users

London Fire Brigade responds to rise in battery fires across the capital

The London Fire Brigade held a series of safety events held across London to address the increasing number of fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters.

According to the Brigade, the campaign – titled #ChargeSafe – comes in response to a marked rise in battery-related fires in the capital, including more than ten incidents within a five-day period.

The safety events focused on sharing advice directly with riders in boroughs identified as having a higher number of e-bike-related incidents, including Tower Hamlets, Southwark and Newham.

Collaborative events deliver direct engagement with riders

The London Fire Brigade stated that it partnered with London Trading Standards to deliver the sessions during spring 2025.

Firefighters engaged with riders in high-traffic areas such as outside fast food venues, offering translated flyers and battery safety advice.

Local Trading Standards Officers and Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, also attended, offering guidance on safe charging and collecting information about the most commonly used bikes.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner highlights prevalence of modified bikes

Richard Field, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Prevention & Protection at London Fire Brigade, said: “These events across London have been a great opportunity for our crews and partners to deliver crucial safety advice to those who need to hear it most.

“Over the course of these engagements, we’ve spoken to hundreds of riders, offering them our #ChargeSafe campaign flyers, including versions translated into multiple languages such as Bengali, Urdu and Spanish.

“We learnt that a vast number of riders are using modified e-bikes. While it was encouraging to learn about some of the safe storage and charging practices riders have adopted at home, we know that there is an increased fire risk, in particular with bikes that have had battery packs fitted.

“Along with the incidents that we are now unfortunately routinely attending, this activity reinforces how vital events like these are.”

The Brigade reported that the events were supported by funding from the Office for Product Safety Standards following a successful bid by London Trading Standards.

Calls for regulation and online safety standards

Stuart Radnedge, regional co-ordinator at London Trading Standards, said: “This has been an excellent way of advising e-bike users about how to safely charge as well as avoid some of the risks when shopping online. At this time, we cannot be confident that products sold online, such as batteries and chargers, meet the correct safety standards.

“I’d like to thank all of the trading standards officers who have supported this initiative which is helping to make London safer.

“In addition, this project has enhanced relationships with the partners involved to ensure additional safety projects will take place in the future.”

Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, added: “Gig economy workers are often difficult to reach, so it has been invaluable to share life-saving safety advice with them in person all across London.

“Many of the bikes we came across during this event were converted, confirming that DIY kits are highly attractive to this group.

“Because of the accessible price point of a conversion kit versus a fully manufactured e-bike, many gig workers will turn to them as part of their work – but at present there are no safety standards for these kits.

“They are often sold incomplete, by third-party sellers online, with a motor, a handful of wires and a controller, missing the most important components: a battery and charger.

“If a consumer purchases an incompatible pair, the risk of a fire can be severe. It is vital safety standards for conversion kits are introduced to ensure the risk from substandard kits sold online is tackled.”

ChargeSafe campaign supports regulation of online marketplaces

The London Fire Brigade said it had recently taken part in two of Deliveroo’s Rider Roadshows, using them as further opportunities to speak directly with e-bike riders.

The organisation confirmed that its #ChargeSafe campaign has consistently called for increased regulation of online marketplaces selling lithium batteries, chargers and conversion kits.

It stated that the Product Regulation & Metrology Bill has been welcomed as a step towards protecting consumers from unsafe goods.

The Brigade explained that it is working with Government by providing data and technical input to strengthen the proposed legislation.

ChargeSafe campaign tackles battery safety risks for e-bike and e-scooter users: Summary

The London Fire Brigade has hosted safety events across London as part of its ChargeSafe campaign.

The campaign responds to a rise in battery-related fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters.

According to the Brigade, more than ten fires occurred over a five-day period.

Events were held in boroughs with high fire rates, including Tower Hamlets, Southwark and Newham.

Firefighters shared translated safety leaflets and offered advice directly to riders.

London Trading Standards and Electrical Safety First joined to give product-specific guidance.

The initiative was funded by the Office for Product Safety Standards.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field said many riders used modified e-bikes with added battery packs.

The Brigade said the use of conversion kits increases fire risk, particularly when paired with unverified chargers.

Stuart Radnedge of London Trading Standards warned about buying batteries online that may not meet safety requirements.

Giuseppe Capanna of Electrical Safety First called for safety standards for DIY conversion kits.

The Brigade also attended Deliveroo Rider Roadshows to reach more riders.

It is supporting the Product Regulation & Metrology Bill to improve product safety online.

The Brigade is contributing data to help strengthen the new legislation.