E-bike battery fires: Reality check or moral panic?

With around two million e-bikes in the UK and sales surging, stories of battery fires are on the rise. But let’s keep things in perspective: e-bike fires occur at a rate of less than one per day. In contrast, around 100,000 cars catch fire in the UK each year - nearly 300 every single day. Statistically speaking, a car is far more likely to go up in flames than an electric bicycle.

Yet e-bikes do present unique challenges. Fortunately, these risks are manageable with some simple precautions.

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"As long as the brand is recognised, and as long as you’re buying it from a bona fide bicycle shop, you don’t really need to worry. Just follow the instructions. Most of the battery fires you see are from batteries or bikes that have been bought over the internet, they haven’t been checked properly, the certification hasn’t been done properly. Any brand that you would recognise will have had the certification and the chances of a battery fire are very, very low."

David Miall

CEO, Wisper Bikes

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Where’s the real danger?

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The biggest hazards come from poor-quality e-bikes, batteries, and chargers sold by disreputable dealers. Conversion kits installed incorrectly, or mismatched chargers and batteries, also increase the risk.

The UK government advises following these five steps when buying and charging your e-bike:

1.   Buy only from reputable sellers and check product reviews

2.   Always follow the manufacturer's charging and usage instructions

3.   Use only the battery and charger recommended by the manufacturer

4.   Charge in a safe place, keep exits clear, and unplug when finished

5.   Never modify or tamper with your battery

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Putting e-bike fires in context

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While e-bike fires might sound alarming, let’s compare them to other household risks. Chip pan fires occur at a rate of about 1,000 a month, causing one death each week. E-bike safety matters, but context is crucial.

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Lithium-ion batteries: Familiar ground

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Most of us already use lithium-ion batteries safely every day in devices like phones and laptops. Problems usually arise from products that lack proper safety certification, or from mixing incompatible batteries and chargers. E-bikes are no different.

Watch out for these warning signs:

·        Excessive heat or smoke

·        Swelling or leaks

·        Unusual sounds or smells

·        A sudden drop in performance

If a battery starts smoking or catches fire, raise the alarm, get out, and call 999. Faulty products should be reported to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service.

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Safe charging practices

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The fire service offers these guidelines for charging e-bike batteries:

·        Avoid charging in bedrooms or blocking escape routes

·        Don’t charge unattended or overnight

·        Keep chargers and batteries uncovered

·        Don’t overload sockets or use unsuitable extension leads

·        Avoid hot locations (over45°C) and direct sunlight

·        Charge on a hard, flat surface with good ventilation

Insurance for e-bikes

Our e-bike insurance includes everything you’d expect, like theft, accidental damage and vandalism cover – plus a few things you might not. For example, we have a no-quibble battery theft policy, zero devaluation for life, and if you break down on your electric bike, or run out of battery, you can call us 24/7 and we’ll arrange a rescue. Whether you ride a tricycle, folding, mountain or cargo electric bike, our comprehensive policy has you covered.

Every ETA cycle insurance policy includes the following as standard:

• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
• Cycle Rescue (breakdown cover for your electric bicycle and you)
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)

Read a full list of everything we include as standard.

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