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London On Track for Record E‑Bike and E‑Scooter Fires as Brigade Presses Delivery Apps

The fire brigade links the surge to faulty lithium‑ion batteries from unregulated sales channels, prompting calls for stricter controls.

Overview

  • LFB has logged 165 e‑bike and e‑scooter fires by 28 September 2025, a pace that could push the yearly total past 200 for the first time.
  • Investigators say the 21 June Wood Green fatal blaze was most likely sparked by a charging e‑bike’s malfunctioning battery pack.
  • At least four people have died in London e‑bike fires since 2023, with victims not owning or using the devices that ignited.
  • The brigade has written to Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo this week, asking them to share fire‑safety advice with couriers.
  • Electrical Safety First urges mandatory third‑party certification for batteries and tighter controls on online marketplace sales and conversion kits.