Firefighters are issuing an e-bike safety reminder after a house fire on The Greenway in Uxbridge.
Part of a first floor flat in a semi-detached house converted into flats was damaged by fire. Eight people left the property before firefighters arrived and one man was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.
The fire is believed to have been caused by the failure of a charging lithium battery pack for an e-bike.
Station Officer Simon Hall, who was at the scene, said: "E-bikes and e-scooters are London's fastest-growing fire risk. 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.
"What was particularly concerning about this incident was attempts to extinguish the fire were made before firefighters arrived. Lithium battery fires are ferocious and they can spread so rapidly. They also produce a toxic, flammable vapour cloud which should never be inhaled. If your e-bike or e-scooter catches fire, get well away from it and call 999.
"When charging your e-bike or e-scooter, 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.
Converting pedal bikes into e-bikes using DIY kits bought online can be very dangerous. They can 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.
The Brigade was called at 2046 and the fire was extinguished by 2158. Three fire engines from Hillingdon, Hayes and Heathrow fire stations attended the scene.