does someone in your home have an e-bike or e-scooter?

If you own, or are thinking about buying an e-bike or e-scooter, there are some things you need to consider, including how to store and charge them safely.

Electric bikes and scooters are becoming increasingly popular.

If you have one or are thinking about buying one, there are some things you need to consider including how to store and charge them safely.

These vehicles are often powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can be charged at home. It is vital you take precautions to prevent a fire, which would put your family and home at risk, and to preserve the battery’s lifespan.

In the event of an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire, do not attempt to extinguish the fire. Get out, stay out, call 999.

 

  • Buy e-bikes, e-scooters, e-bike conversion kits, chargers, and batteries from reputable retailers (many fires involve counterfeit electrical goods)
  • Register your product with the manufacturer to validate any warranties (this makes it easier for manufacturers to contact you if there is a safety recall)
  • Check any vehicle or kit you’ve bought is not subject to a product recall by checking Electrical Safety First’s website or the government website.

 

  • Before buying an e-bike or e-scooter, make sure you have a suitable place to store it. They must not block escape routes such as front or back doors or be kept in communal areas of flat blocks (if there’s a fire, people may not be able to escape, and it could block the fire service’s access)
  • Store e-bikes, e-scooters and batteries in a cool place (avoid excessive heat or cold)
  • If a lithium-ion battery is not going to be used for an extended period, follow manufacturer’s instructions for storage and maintenance.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
  • Charge batteries when you’re awake and alert, never while you’re asleep or away from the home, and unplug it once fully-charged (not only is it dangerous, overcharging can reduce the battery’s lifespan)
  • Only use chargers approved by the manufacturer
  • If you spot any signs of wear and tear or damage, replace the charger with a manufacturer-approved model from a reputable seller
  • Do not cover chargers or battery packs when charging, as this could cause overheating or a fire
  • Do not charge batteries or store your e-bike or e-scooter near combustible or flammable materials
  • Do not overload sockets or extension leads when charging, fully extend any extension lead that coils around the unit
  • In the event of a fire: Get out, stay out, call 999.
  • Regularly check your battery for signs of damage and if found replace it immediately (a battery can be damaged if dropped or involved in a crash, causing it to overheat and catch fire without warning)
  • Do not dispose of damaged or end of life batteries in your household waste or recycling, check with your local authority or the manufacturer to find suitable battery recycling arrangements in your area (punctured or crushed batteries can easily cause a fire in bin lorries, recycling and waste centres).