E-bike fire - Brixton

Firefighters are issuing another reminder about using e-bikes and e-scooters safely after a fire on Tulse Hill in Brixton. 

One man was taken to hospital and two adults and two children were treated by London Ambulance Service crews for smoke inhalation.   

A small part of a ground floor flat was damaged in the fire that is believed to have been caused by the failure of lithium batteries in an e-bike. 

Station Commander Dave Macdonald, who attended the scene, said: “The family affected are very lucky as the consequences of this fire could have been a lot more serious. Fortunately, the owner of the bike, which had been converted and left on charge overnight on an escape route, was awake when he spotted it smoking. 

“He decided to carry it outside – as he was doing this, the bike caught alight and he has sustained some burns as a result. 

“If your e-bike or e-scooter is alight or if you notice something wrong with the device, leave it alone and call 999. Moving the bike may have cleared the escape route but it should never have been there in the first place. We advise people to store these vehicles outside such as in a shed. If this is not possible, make sure they are stored inside a room where a fire can be contained, you can shut the door and call us out.” 

The incident reinforces why the Brigade has been running its #ChargeSafe campaign to raise awareness of the fire risks associated with these vehicles. 

The lithium batteries that power these vehicles store a huge amount of energy in a very small space. If that energy is released in an uncontrolled way, then a fire or explosion may result. The Brigade is predominantly seeing fires where these batteries have been purchased from online which may not meet the correct safety standards. Lithium batteries are susceptible to failure if incorrect chargers are used and there is a significant risk posed by e-bikes and e-scooters which have been converted. 

The Brigade was called to this fire at 0708 and the incident was over for firefighters by 0750. Two fire engines from Brixton Fire Station attended the scene. 

Safety tips for e-bike and e-scooter users to follow  

• Never block your escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters. Store them somewhere away from a main through route. Our advice is to store these items in a safe external location if possible, such as a garage or a shed.  
• Do not attempt to modify or tamper with your battery. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  
• Converting pedal bikes into e-bikes using DIY kits bought online can be very dangerous. They pose a higher risk of fire. Get a professional to carry out the conversion and make sure to buy a battery from a reputable seller and that it is not second-hand.  
• Check your battery and charger meets UK safety standards.  We have particular concern where batteries have been purchased from online marketplaces and when they've been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards.  
• Watch out for signs that the battery or charger aren’t working as they should – e.g. if the battery is hot to the touch or has changed shape.  
• Always use the correct charger and buy an official one from a reputable seller.  
• Let the battery cool before charging. Batteries can get warm during their use and it is advisable to allow them to cool down before attempting to re-charge as they could be more susceptible to failure if overheated. If you are charging batteries indoors, please follow our advice on safe charging. 
• Unplug your charger once it’s finished charging. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions when charging and we would advise not to leave it unattended or while people are asleep. 
• Fit alarms where you charge. Ensure you have smoke alarms fitted in areas where e-bikes or e-scooters are being charged and make sure they are tested regularly. You can quickly and easily check your home by visiting our free online home fire safety checker tool.