Firefighters are issuing a reminder about using e-bikes safely following a fire in a flat on Whitechapel Road in Whitechapel.
The fire occurred in a flat, ranging over three floors, situated above of a shop. Half of the flat on the second floor was damaged by fire. The remainder of the second floor and whole of the third floor was damaged by smoke.
Three people who were inside the flat were rescued from the roof by firefighters using a 32-m turntable ladder to bring them safely down. Six other people left the flat before firefighters arrived via an internal staircase. Nine people were assessed at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews and two people were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation as a precaution.
The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have been caused by the failure of a lithium-ion battery pack, most likely used for a converted e-bike.
Tony Jackson, Station Commander at Whitechapel Fire Station, said: “Firefighters worked professionally to bring three people to safety and ensure that no one was seriously hurt in this fire.
“E-bikes are one of London's fastest-growing fire risks and this incident is another example that we’re seeing in London of the risks that e-bike batteries can pose. One of the residents opened a bedroom door to find thick smoke inside, which we know from lithium battery fires is extremely toxic.
“E-bikes and e-scooters are a green and sustainable way to travel around our city. However, the stark reality is that some of these vehicles are proving to be incredibly dangerous and are at greater risk of malfunctioning, particularly if they’ve been modified, fitted or converted with second-hand products or if the batteries are used with the incorrect chargers.
“If you own an e-bike or e-scooter, we urge people to store it outside or in a location such as a shed if they can. If that’s not possible, ensure it’s not stored or being charged on an escape route, such as a hallway or by a door. Instead, keep it in a room where you can shut a door and contain a fire.
“When you’re charging you e-bike or e-scooter, make sure you’re not doing it when your sleeping or leaving it unattended. Use the correct charger and don’t overcharge the battery.”
Converted e-bikes are also at greater risk of catching fire. This is where a battery has been fitted to a normal pedal cycle. It is vital that any conversion is carried out by a professional or competent person.
Products, such as batteries, chargers and conversion kits, that are purchased from online marketplaces are at greater risk of malfunctioning. 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.
Station Commander Jackson continued: “As part of our #ChargeSafe campaign, which we launched in the spring of 2023 to raise awareness of e-bike and e-scooter fires, firefighters will be out in the borough next week as part of planned activity to engage with e-bike riders, such as those in the gig-economy, to offer safety advice and tips.”
The Brigade’s Control Officers received 13 calls about the fire. The Brigade was called at 0804 and Control Officers mobilised four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Whitechapel, Shadwell, Bethnal Green and Dowgate fire stations to the scene. The fire was extinguished by 0916.