At least 10 fire-related fatalities involving e-bikes in the UK were recorded in just one year Picture: DWFR

E-bike safety warning: Hidden risks riders may not know about

Tait ap EllisSeptember 18, 20250 Comment0

E-BIKE riders are being urged to take extra care after two bikes recently caught fire in Dorset.

As e-bikes become more popular across the country as people look for an easier way to get from A to B without a car many riders may not know the risks associated with them.

The fire service in Dorset has so far been called out to deal with two e-bike fires in the county, with both bikes completely destroyed in the blaze.

At the heart of most e-bikes and e-scooters lies a lithium-ion battery. These are known to on occasion fail catastrophically, explode, or lead to a rapidly developing fire.

These batteries can also ignite when damaged in a crash, and riders are being asked to check batteries regularly for any signs of damage.

“There were at least 10 fire-related fatalities in the UK involving e-bikes or e-scooters powered by lithium-ion batteries in 2023,” a Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service spokesperson said.

Lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous if damaged Picture: DWFR

Poorly designed or poorly manufactured lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and e-scooters present a risk of thermal runaway which can result in a serious fire or explosion.

The service said e-bikes often have cheap conversion kits attached which often don’t have the same safeguards associated with official kits and can easily lead to a fire.

Leaving an e-bike on charge overnight or for an extended period of time can also lead to it overheating – which can be extremely dangerous if it is being charged at home or left unattended.

The fire service in Dorset is supporting efforts to lobby the government to establish stricter laws around e-bikes and e-scooters.

For more information about how to safely look after your e-bike, visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safety-at-home/causes-of-fires/e-bikes-and-e-scooters/