Firefighters are issuing a reminder about how to use e-bikes and e-scooters safely after a fire at a block of flats on Newmarket Avenue in Northolt.
Most of a maisonette flat, situated on the third and fourth floors of a four-storey block, was damaged by fire. Part of the roof of the building was also damaged.
Four people left the flat before firefighters arrived, by jumping out of windows on the second and third floors. They were all taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews, with serious injuries reported.
The fire is believed to have been caused by the catastrophic failure of a lithium battery pack for an e-bike or e-scooter.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "The battery pack was being charged by the front door to the flat. The fire spread rapidly, including up the stairs, quickly trapping four occupants.
"This incident highlights the importance of keeping escape routes clear. E-bikes and e-scooters or their batteries should never be charged on an escape route, such as by a front door or in a hallway. Our advice is to store and charge these items in a location away from where people live, such as in a shed or a garage, and if they have to be stored inside, make sure there is smoke detection fitted, it’s kept it in a room where you can shut a door and contain a fire and your means of escape is not obstructed."
The battery pack involved in this fire is believed to have been purchased second-hand. From previous investigations, we know many of the fires we’ve attended have involved second-hand vehicles or the bike has been modified using parts bought online. It’s important to get a conversion carried out by a professional or a competent person.
It’s also important to make sure the conversion kits, batteries and chargers you’re purchasing for the bike is from a reputable seller. 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 we cannot be confident that products meet the correct safety standards.
In 2023, e-bikes and e-scooters became London's fastest-growing fire risk with around 179 fires recorded. Three people died and around 60 people have been hurt. In 2024, there have been around 100 fires recorded.
As part of the Brigade's #ChargeSafe campaign, we are calling for much-needed legislation for online marketplaces to ensure products like batteries, chargers and conversion kits are strictly regulated.
The Brigade's Control Officers received 23 calls about the fire. The Brigade was called at 1337 and the fire was brought under control by 1518. Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters from Northolt, Ruislip, Wembley and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders was used at the scene to help fight the fire from above.
Brigade safety tips for all e-bike and e-scooter users to follow