Firefighters safety warning on e-bikes after house fire in Harold Hill.

This fire that has left a home destroyed and is yet another example of how devastating fires caused by e-bikes can be. In 2023, the Brigade attended a fire, on average, once every couple of days.

Firefighters are issuing another reminder about using e-bikes safely after a fire on Hitchin Close in Harold Hill. in the early hours of 3 April.

Half of the ground floor of a two-storey mid terraced house fire was damaged by fire. The first floor and staircase was destroyed by fire and half of the room was also damaged. A man and a woman were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews suffering from smoke inhalation.

The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have been caused by the catastrophic failure of lithium batteries in a converted e-bike.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “This fire that has left a home destroyed and is yet another example of how devastating fires caused by e-bikes can be. In 2023, the Brigade attended a fire, on average, once every couple of days.

“At this fire in Harold Hill, the e-bike was stored under the stairs when it caught alight. We recommend storing an e-bike or e-scooter outside or in a shed or garage, if you can. If you are keeping in inside, make sure it’s not an escape route.

“The e-bike had been converted from a normal e-bike. Converting pedal bikes into e-bikes using DIY kits bought online can be very dangerous. They can pose a higher risk of fire. Get a professional or competent person to carry out the conversion and make sure to buy a battery from a reputable seller and that it is not second-hand. 

“From our investigations, we know many of the fires we’ve attended have involved second-hand vehicles or the bike has been modified using parts bought online. At this time, there is not the same level of regulation of products for e-bikes and e-scooters sold via online marketplaces or auction sites when compared to high street shops, so we cannot be confident that products meet the correct safety standard.”

E-bikes and e-scooters are powered by lithium batteries. Lithium batteries store a significant amount of energy in a very small space and are much more powerful compared to other types of batteries. If that energy is released in an uncontrolled way, then a fire or explosion may result. If there is overheating, crushing, penetrating or overcharging, then a fault can occur within damaged battery cells which may cause the battery to catch fire and/or explode.

The Brigade spokesperson continued: “E-bikes and e-scooters are a sustainable way of travelling around but it must be done safely. Lithium batteries are susceptible to failure if incorrect chargers are used, so it’s important to always use the correct charger for the product and buy an official one from a reputable seller. You should also unplug your charger when you have finished using it and we would advise not to leave it unattended or charging while people are asleep.”

The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers received around eight calls about the fire. The Brigade was called at 03:02 and the fire was brought under control by 04:03. Crews from Harold Hill, Romford, Hornchurch and Dagenham fire stations attended the scene, along with a crew from Essex Fire and Rescue Service. 

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