Skip to main content

E-bikes and scooters

Find out how to charge safely, detect a fire hazard, install a conversion kit and more.

Tips from FireEngland

The warning signs your e-bike or e-scooter battery is a fire hazard

A fire can develop quickly, within a few seconds, and often without warning. Formation of smoke or a white vapour cloud indicate the start of battery failure and fire. Listed below are other signs that your battery is a fire hazard.

You must stop using or charging your battery immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • Overheating: If your device’s battery feels extremely hot to the touch.

  • Deformation: If your battery looks swollen. Similar signs include any type of lump or leaking from the device.

  • Noise: If your battery is making hissing or cracking sounds.

  • Smell: If you notice a strong or unusual smell coming from the battery.

  • Performance: If your battery does not fully charge or is taking longer to charge than normal.

  • Smoke: If your battery or device is smoking.

Safely charge your e-bike

  • Don’t charge e-bikes and e-scooters in bedrooms or where escape routes can be blocked—for example, hallways.

  • Don’t leave your battery charging unattended, when you are out or while you are asleep.

  • Don’t cover chargers or battery packs when charging.

  • Don’t overload sockets or use inappropriate extension leads.

  • Don’t charge or store batteries in direct sunlight or in hot locations (above 45⁰C).

  • Don’t charge batteries close to combustible materials or hazardous substances.

  • Always unplug your charger when you have finished charging.

  • If your battery can be removed from your e-bike or e-scooter and charged separately, it should be charged on a hard flat surface where heat can disperse and in an area with good ventilation.

E-bike conversion kits

  • Conversion kits change standard bicycles into e-bikes.

  • It is recommended that a professional carries out an e-bike conversion. They will be responsible for ensuring that the e-bike is safe and fitted with the correct motor, battery and charger.

  • Installing a conversion kit yourself could lead to safety issues with your e-bike and increase the risk of fire.

  • Furthermore, it could invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty and make you responsible for any consequent damage or accident. If you modify an e-bike to increase its power or speed then it may no longer be legal to use on public roads.

For more information, please visit: FireEngland