Billboards in Piccadilly Circus are now warning shoppers about the risks posed by some e-bikes and e-scooters, following a record number of fires in London linked to the vehicles. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) says the total number of incidents is likely to surpass 200 by the end of 2025, with causes often traced to incompatible lithium-ion batteries or faulty conversion kits overheating. Some fires have been fatal, including two deaths this year, bringing the total to five since 2023.
On average, LFB firefighters have responded to 18 fires a month this year caused by e-bike or e-scooter batteries. During a recent awareness event, LFB targeted Black Friday shoppers by broadcasting a video across the digital screens at Piccadilly Circus, urging people to “think twice” before purchasing an online deal. London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith emphasised the dangers, saying: “As we have seen, these fires have devastating consequences – they are fast, explosive, toxic and can be fatal.”
Smith also warned against buying from online marketplaces, explaining: “Without knowing it, you could be purchasing a faulty, damaged or incompatible product and putting yourself, and everyone around you at risk.” He advised shoppers to buy from high street retailers, where products are more likely to meet safety standards.
Conversion kits, which allow a regular pedal bike to be converted into an e-bike, present a particular hazard if not installed correctly. Kits often do not include a battery or charger, leaving buyers to source these separately, which increases the risk of incompatibility or unregulated products.
One tragic example is Jo Frost, who lost her 23-year-old home after an e-bike fitted with a second-hand conversion kit caught fire. Her 14-year-old son, his friend, and the family dog escaped, but the blaze destroyed the property. Frost said: “The e-bike was charging in the front room when it burst into flames, my son and his friend were trapped on the first floor due to the fire spreading up the stairs. In minutes my family lost our home and everything inside… I wasn’t aware of the dangers of buying a conversion kit online – or that it wasn’t regulated. I hope that hearing my story will warn others of the potential dangers.”
The LFB has also issued guidance to help identify a potentially dangerous battery. Warning signs include extreme heat when charging, bulging or swelling, unusual noises such as hissing or cracking, strong or odd smells, slow charging or failure to charge fully, and visible smoke, which indicates a fire is already starting.
With holiday shopping underway, the London Fire Brigade continues to emphasise caution, urging consumers to prioritise safety and purchase only properly regulated e-bikes and e-scooters to prevent further tragic incidents.
