18 Deaths from Battery Fires Show Hidden Danger of UK’s E-Bike Boom

The UK’s e-bike boom has brought many benefits, including reduced carbon emissions and healthier commuting options. However, it also brings hidden dangers that are increasingly being revealed by the growing number of fires caused by faulty or poorly maintained batteries.

Data gathered by BBC Verify shows that between 2019 and 2025, there were over 2,000 fires started by e-bikes, e-scooters, or their batteries in the UK. Of these, 18 people lost their lives, with many more suffering injuries from inhaling toxic smoke or being trapped inside burning homes.

One of the most alarming aspects of this trend is that it’s not just a matter of individual safety. The fires can spread quickly, engulfing entire rooms and blocking escape routes. This was starkly illustrated in the case of Jahmell Campbell, whose e-scooter caught fire at his grandmother’s home in London last year. Campbell managed to escape through a window, but his grandmother was trapped until her father threw down a blanket for her to slide across.

Coroner Anita Bhardwaj has warned that the general public does not appreciate the life-threatening risks involved with storing lithium-ion batteries from electronic bikes in domestic properties. Since 2023, at least five Prevention of Future Deaths reports have been issued by coroners, highlighting concerns about the dangers posed by these batteries.

The proliferation of cheap e-bikes and scooters sold through online marketplaces is a significant factor contributing to this trend. Many of these products are not designed with safety in mind, and their manufacturers often disregard UK safety standards. Steve Garidis from the Bicycle Association suggests that it’s often a combination of faulty or poorly maintained batteries, lack of adherence to UK safety standards, and the proliferation of cheap e-bikes and scooters sold through online marketplaces.

The government’s response has been patchy at best. While they have launched a “Buy Safe, Be Safe” campaign warning about the risks of fire caused by faulty batteries, it seems that many people are still unaware of these dangers. The lack of regulation in the online marketplaces where e-bikes and scooters are often sold is also a major concern.

As the number of e-bikes on our roads continues to grow – with an average of 153,000 new additions each year since 2020 – it’s crucial that we address these safety concerns. This requires more than just a campaign or two; it demands a fundamental shift in how we approach regulation and consumer protection.

One way forward is for the government to crack down on the sale of unsafe e-bikes through online marketplaces. They could also work with manufacturers and retailers to develop safer products, while making consumers more aware of the risks involved. This will not be easy, but it’s essential if we want to avoid further tragedies like those suffered by Jahmell Campbell and his grandmother.

The UK’s e-bike boom has brought many benefits, but it also brings hidden dangers that must be addressed. As we continue to grow our use of these vehicles, let’s not forget the importance of safety and regulation in protecting both consumers and society as a whole.