E-bike and e-scooter fires in the UK reached record highs in 2025, with experts blaming unsafe batteries from online marketplaces and a growing black market.

London saw the most incidents, and a fatal blaze in north London highlighted the risks. The government is consulting on tougher safety laws to curb dangerous products sold online, says MSN.

Fire brigade data shows e-bike blazes rose 38% to 432 in 2025, more than five times the 2021 figure, while e-scooter fires jumped 20% to 147. London recorded the highest totals, with 171 e-bike and 35 e-scooter incidents. Nottinghamshire, Greater Manchester, and Avon also reported significant numbers, underscoring the nationwide scope of the problem.

Experts link many fires to batteries, chargers, and conversion kits bought via under-regulated online marketplaces. Nick Bailey of BatteryIQ said these are “always cut-price products” with poor quality control, and warned of a growing black market in DIY and counterfeit batteries, some made from reclaimed disposable vape cells. Such items pose higher malfunction risks than those from established retailers.

The death of 30-year-old Eden Abera Siem in a North London blaze, likely caused by a charging e-bike battery, marked the fourth fatal e-bike fire in the capital. Lithium battery fires can spread rapidly and emit toxic vapours, making them particularly dangerous. Fire chiefs and safety campaigners warn that without stronger controls, further loss of life is inevitable.

The UK government has launched consultations on strengthening product safety laws, including requiring online marketplaces to prevent and remove dangerous goods. Transport for London has banned private e-scooters since 2021 and extended restrictions to non-foldable e-bikes after a station fire in 2025. Police are also finding modified e-bikes exceeding legal speed limits, adding enforcement challenges to safety concerns

(Picture: Kevin Borras/Highways News)