East Sussex Fire & Rescue Issue Warning For E-Bike Owners

People who own e-bikes are being warned of a fire risk involving their batteries, following a rise in fires over recent weeks.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue say they attended a fire in a kitchen in Eastbourne where an e-bike battery had exploded while charging. 

On July 3rd, crews from Eastbourne and Hailsham attended the property, whereby crews had to wear breathing apparatus to enter the building. 

The investigation revealed an e-bike battery had exploded while charging in the kitchen, causing considerable damage.

A second fire happened in a communal hallway, blocking the exit and forcing residents to climb out of the window.

London Fire Brigade has also issued an urgent warning regarding e-bike batteries.  

Station Officer Matt Cullen, (Fire Investigation Officer) with London Fire Brigade said:

“We have seen that when these batteries and chargers fail, they do so with ferocity which can leave residents with few safe options for escape.

"These bikes and scooters are often stored and charged in escape routes in homes or communal areas so when a fire does occur, escape routes are blocked which immediately makes an already serious situation much more frightening for those involved.

"We have seen people forced into jumping from windows as they can’t get out of their front doors as the bike or scooter which has caught fire is in front of it.

"Even when the bikes or scooters aren’t in escape routes or communal areas, the fires are fierce enough that they pose an immediate danger to all occupants and we are seeing an increase in these types of fires.”

Top e-bike tips from East Sussex Fire & Rescue:

• Always use the correct charger for the product and buy an official one from a reputable seller.
• Batteries can get warm during their use and it is advisable to allow them to cool down before attempting to re-charge as they could be more susceptible to failure.
• Batteries should always be charged on hard flat surfaces where heat can dissipate.
• Batteries can also pose a risk if they have been damaged, so try to ensure they are not getting knocked around while in use or while being carried as spares as this can increase the chance of damage to cells.
• Always make sure you unplug your charger once it’s finished charging. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions when charging and do not to leave it unattended or charging whilst you are asleep.
• Ensure you have smoke alarms fitted in areas where e-bikes or e-scooters are being charged and make sure they are tested regularly.
• Never block your escape route with anything, including bikes and scooters. Store them somewhere away from a main through route.