Firefighters have issued a reminder of their e-bike safety advice following a fire at a block of flats on Chequer Street in Shoreditch.
Part of a four roomed flat on the ground floor was damaged by the fire. One woman left the building before the Brigade arrived and was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service.
The fire was accidental and is believed to have been caused by the failure of a lithium ion battery for an e-bike.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "E-bikes and e-scooters are one of London's fastest-growing fire risks. If you own an e-bike or e-scooter, there are a number of things you can do to help keep yourself and those around you safe.
"When charging your e-bike or e-scooter or the batteries for them, make sure you are using the correct charger. Mismatching the charger increases the risk of fire. It's also important not to overcharge and to unplug the charger once it's completed charging. Never charge an e-bike or e-scooter unattended or whilst you're sleeping and don't charge it on an escape route, such as in a hallway. Instead, charge or store the device outdoors or in a shed. If this is not possible, make sure the device is in a room where you can shut a door and contain a fire."
E-bikes and e-scooters are powered by lithium batteries. Lithium batteries store a significant amount of energy in a very small space and are much more powerful compared to other types of batteries. If that energy is released in an uncontrolled way, then a fire or explosion may result. If there is overheating, crushing, penetrating or overcharging, then a fault can occur within damaged battery cells which may cause the battery to catch fire and/or explode.
Many of the fires have involved second-hand vehicles or the bike has been modified using parts bought online. At this time, 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 the Brigade cannot be confident that products meet the correct safety standard.
Control Officers took the first of six calls at 2137 and mobilised four fire engines and around 25 firefighters to the scene from Shoreditch, Dowgate, Whitechapel and Islington fire stations. The incident was over for firefighters at 2249.