E-bike and e-scooter battery fires cause of 18 deaths and nearly 700 injuries

Fires from e-bikes and e-scooters have surged: BBC data shows more than 2,000 incidents between 2019–2025, with 18 deaths and nearly 700 injuries; battery fires rose from 32 in 2019 to 605 in 2025.
Investigations point to faulty, damaged or modified lithium‑ion batteries—often from cheap second‑hand buys or conversion kits bought online—which can overheat, explode and release toxic fumes; buyers are urged to check UKCA/CE marks and buy from reputable sellers.
Government and industry are pushing safety measures (the "Buy Safe, Be Safe" campaign and the E‑Bike Positive scheme) and pressing online marketplaces to remove unsafe products—urban areas like London have been worst affected.