Incidents involving Li-ion batteries have risen 147% in three years, with 520 e-bike fires recorded in 2025. These statistics are based on data gathered from Freedom of Information (FOI) requests sent out to all 49 Uk fire and rescue services (FRSs), with 42 responses received. In their responses, FRSs said that in the case of e-bike-related incidents, “converted or retrofitted e-bikes were involved more frequently than officially manufactured models, reinforcing the importance of purchasing certified products from reputable retailers”.

Fires involving electric vehicles (EVs) increased by 133% (from 120 to 279) between 2022 and 2025. However, QBE notes that the number of EVs on the road also tripled over the same period.

Nearly half (46%) of Li-ion battery fires took place in residential homes, 31% occurred outdoors, and 23% took place in commercial premises. London Fire Brigade (LFB) recorded the highest number of Li-ion fires in 2025 (522), followed by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (126 fires), and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (117 fires).

Of note is data collected from Bedfordshire and Luton, which reported a year-on-year reduction of Li-ion fires, coinciding with updated e-bike and e-scooter safety guidance issued by the service in 2023. However, the insurer stated that despite positive trends in some regions, Li-ion fires were “increasing at a significant rate across the UK, reinforcing the need to guard against them”.

Adrian Simmonds, Risk Manager at QBE Insurance, said: “Lithium-ion battery fires continue to increase. It’s vital that people and businesses take action to better manage this growing risk. Thermal runaway caused by these types of batteries burns differently, takes much longer to tackle, and can require up to 10 times more water to contain.”

QBE has called for greater awareness of the potential risks associated with Li-ion batteries, with tips and recommendations for home users and businesses.
Simmonds added that the statistics suggested that retrofitted bikes were more prone to fire risk, “so we would encourage people to stick to reputable companies when purchasing and avoid unregulated devices.”

As reported by The Guardian, a spokesperson for the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) agreed with the findings of the report, adding that it was “especially concerned” about fires involving “poorly manufactured, modified or converted e-bikes, which continue to account for a disproportionate number of incidents”.

“NFCC is working with fire and rescue services, government, and partners to improve research, guidance, and public awareness, but this is a rapidly evolving area where regulation and guidance have not kept pace with technology. We believe stronger action is needed to ensure industry takes responsibility for product safety and that clear, consistent guidance is available to protect lives and reduce fires,” the spokesperson said.

In July 2025, the Product Regulation and Metrology Act was granted royal assent, enabling the government to establish a new framework for regulating the use of products in the UK, including Li-ion powered personal mobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters.

More guidance and recommendations on the safe handling and management of Li-ion batteries are available here.

At RES Fire & Security we can supply and install specialist portable fire protection equipment and automatic fire detection for an ever-increasing battery-powered world.

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Class L – A new classification of fire

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