Recent data highlights a concerning rise in house fires linked to faulty e-bike conversion kits, with London Fire Brigade Deputy Commissioner Charlie Pugsley identifying them as the “fastest growing fire trend” in London.

Fire services across the UK have reported a 204 percent increase in e-bike fires over the past two years. Alarmingly, 40 percent of these incidents in London have been attributed to unsafe battery packs, according to a report by ITV News.

Many of these fires are linked to low-quality conversion kits, which typically include a battery, motor, charger, and control equipment. These kits, often purchased online to convert standard bicycles into electric ones at a lower cost, frequently feature poorly installed, damaged, or incompatible batteries and chargers, rendering them highly hazardous.

Deputy Commissioner Pugsley has called for immediate government intervention to enforce stricter product safety regulations and conversion standards, and to remove unsafe products from the market.

“When one of these fires ignites, it can escalate from nothing to a fireball in less than five seconds – this is significantly faster than a typical fire,” he warned.

In 2023, London recorded 143 e-bike fires and 36 e-scooter fires, resulting in three fatalities and over 60 injuries. Nationwide, 11 deaths were reported in 2023 due to explosions caused by faulty lithium batteries.

As e-bikes continue to gain popularity, safety must be a priority. London Fire Brigade advises against using DIY conversion kits and battery packs. Their recommendations include:

• Always purchasing from a reputable seller.
• If buying a conversion kit, only purchasing a complete set with a matched battery and charger, and ensuring it is installed by a qualified professional.
• Ensuring the battery voltage matches the charger voltage.

By adhering to these guidelines, the risk of fire incidents related to e-bike conversions can be significantly reduced.

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