Ground-breaking report into dangers of e-bike batteries in UK

Published: 27 July 2023

The UK is facing a worrying spike in fires connected to lithium-ion batteries, which power e-bikes and e-scooters. In London on New Year's Day 2023, Sofia Duarte lost her life after an e-bike battery fire started in her flat. Since then, a further seven people have died in such fires. This is an issue of national importance, that could easily affect residents in your ward.

E-bikes and e-scooters can help achieve our net zero goals with their eco-friendly credentials. However, the batteries they run on can release a similar amount of stored energy as the amount of TNT contained in six-hand grenades if a fault occurs. This is why we see fires of such ferocity, which are almost impossible to put out once they have started. This is why they should concern you.

Electrical Safety First has produced the most comprehensive report on lithium-ion batteries to date:  Battery Breakdown. We are sharing it with you now, and you can access it below. There is also a briefing summary which summarises the key issues for you.

Download the Battery Breakdown report

Download briefing

The report proposes legislation and regulations that can address this deadly issue and help prevent more deaths and devastating fires.

Electrical Safety First is calling for the UK Government to urgently review existing legislation and consider making it mandatory for lithium-ion batteries to have third-party certification to be placed on the market. 

This would allow for greater take-down powers for regulatory bodies and help ensure that e-bikes and e-scooters can be used safely in the UK.