London Fire Brigade Encourages E-Bike and E-Scooter Users to #ChargeSafe

Lithium batteries are widely becoming a popular way of charging everything from small to large-scale products, e-scooters and e-bikes being one of the most popular.

It is easy though to be unaware of the warning signs that the lithium batteries within these modes of transport possess – in 2022 the London Fire Brigade (LFB) had to attend 116 e-scooter and e-bike fires.

Plus, as of June 8th 2023, every train operator except one has banned e-scooters, e-unicycles, e-skateboards, e-hoverboards, and e-bikes from their trains, train stations, station storage facilities, and any replacement bus or coach services.

It is legal to buy an e-scooter (or similar “e” product) and to use it on private land with the permission of the landowner.

But

It is illegal to use a private machine on public roads.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) have produced some links to information via their #ChargeSafe campaign, regarding awareness, risk, and how to recognise the warning signs if you own an e-bike or e-scooter.

If you allow e-bikes or e-scooters on your site or have them at home, it is worth being aware of the potential hazards – are they using the correct spec of battery and charger, do you allow them to be charged, where are they charged, all risks to consider.

Further Reading

Electric scooter safety (tfl.gov.uk)

Having your bicycle converted to an e-bike by a professional (london-fire.gov.uk)

Spotting the warning signs that a battery is dangerous (london-fire.gov.uk)

Charging your batteries safely (london-fire.gov.uk)