Buy Safe. Charge Safe
Thinking of buying an e-scooter or e-bike?
Most are powered by lithium-ion batteries which can be charged in the home. Counterfeit items and their batteries can cause a fire.
Watch this video to see how quickly a fire can take hold.
We are encouraging everyone to buy safe and charge safe to reduce the risk of fires caused by these batteries and products. Please follow these safety tips:
- Buy e-bikes, e-scooters, batteries and chargers from reputable retailers.
- Many fires involve counterfeit goods. Items which don’t meet British or European standards pose a huge fire risk.
- It is recommended that a professional carries out an e-bike conversion. If buying an e-bike conversion kit, purchase from a reputable seller and check that it complies with British or European standards.
- Register your product with the manufacturer to validate any warranties – batteries are usually included in warranties. Registering makes it easier for manufacturers to contact you in the event of safety or recall information.
- Check any products you have bought are not subject to a product recall. You can do this by visiting Electrical Safety First.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging and use the manufacturer approved charger for the product.
- Do not overcharge your battery and always unplug your charger when it’s finished charging.
- Charge batteries whilst you are awake and alert so if a fire should occur you can respond quickly. Don’t leave batteries to charge while you are asleep or away from the home.
- Avoid storing or charging e-bikes and e-scooters in escape routes (such as a hallway) or in communal areas of a multi occupied building. If there’s a fire, it can affect people’s ability to escape.
- 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.