Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleNeil LancefieldTuesday 07 April 2026 01:19 BSTMoment charging e-bike blows up garden shedE-bike and e-scooter fires reached record highs across the UK last year, with 432 e-bike blazes and 147 e-scooter fires reported, marking significant increases from previous years.These dangerous fires are frequently caused by failing batteries, conversion kits or chargers, particularly from “cut-price products” purchased via online marketplaces with less stringent regulation.The fires can spread rapidly and produce toxic vapour, leading to fatalities, such as the death of Eden Abera Siem in London due to a charging e-bike battery.Organisations like Electrical Safety First and London Fire Brigade have expressed serious concerns, calling for urgent action and highlighting the risks posed by substandard batteries and accessories.The Government has launched consultations to boost product safety, proposing that online marketplaces be legally required to prevent and remove dangerous products, while Transport for London has banned e-scooters and some e-bikes due to fire risks.In fullE-bike and e-scooter warning issued amid ‘growing’ black marketThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in