Batteries, E-Scooters and E-Bikes

E-bikes and E-scooters are becoming increasingly popular.  Most are powered by lithium-ion batteries.

mobility scooters in charging area

How to keep your home safe when charging your e-scooter or e-bike.

It's important when charging e-bikes and e-scooters, you do it safely to avoid a risk of a fire starting and putting your family and home at risk. 

Please note: residents are NOT permitted to store or charge e-scooters and e-bikes in communal areas as any items left there can block emergency exit routes and create a fire risk.

Safely charging your e-scooter or e-bike

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
  • Always unplug your charger when its finished charging.
  • Don’t charge e-bikes and e-scooters in bedrooms or where escape routes can be blocked – for example, hallways.
  • Don’t leave your battery charging unattended, when you are out or while you are asleep.
  • Don’t cover chargers or battery packs when charging
  • Don’t overload sockets or use inappropriate extension leads
  • Don’t charge or store batteries in direct sunlight or in hot locations (above 45⁰C)
  • Don’t charge batteries close to combustible materials or hazardous substances.
  • If your battery can be removed from your e-bike or e-scooter and charged separately, it should be charged on a hard flat surface where heat can disperse and in area with good ventilation.

For more information on how to safely charge your e-bike or e-scooter please click here.

Maintaining your E-Scooter or E-Bike

  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using your product.
  • Always use the manufacturer-approved battery and charger.
  • If you need a replacement battery or charger for your e-bike or e-scooter go directly back to the manufacturer or retailer you bought it from to ensure it’s safe.
  • Regularly inspect your product and check for damage or warning signs that your battery might be failing and becoming a fire risk.
  • Don’t attempt to modify or tamper with your battery.
Repairs
Fire-Safety

National Fire Chief's Council Charge Safe Campaign

The the risks of lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly apparent.

NFCC and The London Fire Brigade have developed the #ChargeSafe campaign to provide advice to people on how to buy and charge these products to help prevent fires. 

As the emerging risk of these devices has become more widespread across the UK, resources have been developed to share the advice nationally.

Find more information on their website here.