Firefighters have issued a reminder of their e-bike safety advice following a fire at a mid-terraced house on Marlborough Road in Forest Gate.
Most of the ground floor and part of the soffits, fascia and guttering were damaged by the fire. One man was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by an e-bike.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "E-bikes and e-scooters are London's fastest-growing fire risk, with around 150 e-bike fires and around 30 e-scooter fires so far in 2023. Sadly, three people have died in these fires and more than 60 people have been hurt.
"If you own an e-bike or e-scooter, store and charge it outside. If this not possible, put it a room where you can shut a door and contain a fire if one were to break out. Do not put it on an escape route like a hallway or corridor.
"Make sure you’re using the correct charger for the vehicle, you’re not overcharging it, and that you don’t tamper with or modify the battery pack.
"If you’re thinking about buying one of these vehicles as a gift for a loved one for Christmas, please make sure you’re buying it, or the parts for them like batteries, conversion kits or chargers, from a reputable seller. This is because there is not the same level of regulation of products for e-bikes and e-scooters sold via online marketplaces or auction sites when compared to high street shops, so we cannot be confident that products meet the correct safety standard.”
The Brigade was called at 2140 and the fire was under control by 2304. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Stratford, Plaistow and East Ham fire stations 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.
- Always use the correct charger, otherwise the risk of fire increases, and buy an official one from a reputable seller.
- 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 or competent person 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. Consumers buying any product can check that the item displays a UKCA or CE mark that ensures that the products meet UK and EU safety, health or environmental requirements. If buying online, buy from a UK supplier.
- 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.
- 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
