e-Bike Battery Sets Off Fire in Perivale Flat

Firefighters rescue five people including a child on Bilton Road

The e-bike was blocking a communal hallway.
The e-bike was blocking a communal hallway. Picture: London Fire Brigade

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May 13, 2025

A lithium-ion battery for an electronic bike is being blamed for a fire starting in a block of flats in Perivale.

The Fire Brigade was called to the scene on Bilton Road at 9:21pm this Sunday (11 May) and three fire engines from Wembley and Park Royal attended.

One man, three women and a child were led to safety from a first floor flat by firefighters. They were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service as a precaution to be treated for smoke inhalation. The fire was extinguished in just over an hour and a converted e-bike and part of a ground floor entrance hall was damaged .

Firefighters have since issued a reminder about using e-bikes safely.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said, "The bike was being stored in a communal hallway meaning the fire would have impeded people's escape. If you can, store an e-bike or e-scooter outdoors in an external location such as a garage or shed.

"However, we understand that this is not possible for everyone. If you keep an e-bike or e-scooter indoors. Make sure it is never being stored or charged on an escape route, such as a hallway, by the front door or on or under a staircase. Instead, have it in a room away from the door, where in the event of a fire, you can shut the door and get everyone to safety."

E-bikes and e-scooters are one of London's fastest-growing fire risks. Since the beginning of 2023, there has been a fire involving an e-bike or e-scooter, on average, once every two days.

The Brigade spokesperson continued, "E-bikes and e-scooters are a green and sustainable way to travel around our city. However, the stark reality is that some of these vehicles are proving to be incredibly dangerous and are at greater risk of malfunctioning, particularly if they’ve been modified, fitted or converted with second-hand products or if the batteries are used with the incorrect chargers.

"In this case, the bike had been converted from a normal pedal cycle by having lithium-ion batteries fitted. It is vital that any conversion is carried out by a professional or competent person.

"We encourage anyone who owns an e-bike or e-scooter, or is thinking about purchasing one, to take a look at all of our #ChargeSafe advice on our website to help keep themselves and those around them safer from these types of fires."

Home Fire Safety Checker (HFSC) | London Fire Brigade

Safety tips from London Fire Brigade for e-bike and e-scooter users to follow

  • Never block your escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters. Store them somewhere away from a main through route. Our advice is to store these items in a safe external location if possible, such as a garage or a shed.
  • Always use the correct charger and buy an official one from a reputable seller.
  • Do not attempt to modify or tamper with your battery. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Converting pedal bikes into e-bikes using DIY kits bought online can be very dangerous. They pose a higher risk of fire. Get a professional to carry out the conversion and make sure to buy a battery from a reputable seller and that it is not second-hand.
  • Check your battery and charger meets UK safety standards. LFB has particular concern where batteries have been purchased from online marketplaces and when they've been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards.
  • Watch out for signs that the battery or charger aren’t working as they should – e.g. if the battery is hot to the touch or has changed shape.
  • Let the battery cool before charging. Batteries can get warm during their use and it is advisable to allow them to cool down before attempting to re-charge as they could be more susceptible to failure if overheated. If you are charging batteries indoors, follow LFB advice on safe charging.
  • Unplug your charger once it’s finished charging. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions when charging and we would advise not to leave it unattended or while people are asleep.
  • Fit alarms where you charge. Ensure you have smoke alarms fitted in areas where e-bikes or e-scooters are being charged and make sure they are tested regularly. You can quickly and easily check your home by visiting the Fire Brigade's free online home fire safety checker tool

 

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