How are housing associations protecting residents from e-bike fires?

Lithium-fuelled fires can quickly and easily destroy a property and the number of fires connected to lithium-ion batteries has spiked worryingly in recent years. Leading charity, Electrical Safety First, reports that the UK is now facing a disturbing projection of nearly one e-bike or e-scooter fire per day; a significant leap from just over one per week in the year 2020.

As such, a growing number of landlords are rightly concerned about their tenants keeping e-bikes and e-scooters on the premises. 

What does the law say?

Landlords have legal responsibilities regarding e-bike and e-scooter battery fire risks, primarily under the following legal frameworks:

• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

These laws impose a general duty on building owners and employers to ensure fire safety.

• The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006

This regulation specifically covers landlords of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

• The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985: This act also applies to landlords regarding fire safety measures.

Total Landlord explain that under these laws, landlords are considered the “responsible person” for fire prevention and safety, not just in HMOs but in single lets as well.

While there is no specific law that directly addresses e-bikes and e-scooters, the existing fire safety regulations require landlords to address all potential fire risks in their properties. The potential fire risk from the lithium-ion batteries within e-transport devices falls under the general fire safety duties outlined in these acts.

In short, the law does NOT explicitly mention e-bikes and e-scooters, but their fire hazards ARE clearly covered under the broader fire safety regulations. Landlords should treat the fire risk from e-devices as they would any other significant fire hazard.

Positive action:

After two e-vehicle-related fires in 14 months, the housing association, Gentoo, launched a pilot project to improve safety in high-rise residential buildings.

Gentoo have partnered with Mobility Care Solutions and Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service to conduct e-vehicle health checks , ensuring safety for their high-rise communities.

Technicians visit residents’ homes to evaluate e-bikes and e-scooters, inspecting batteries, chargers and overall condition. Residents also receive tailored advice to reduce fire risks. This proactive initiative highlights the importance of hands-on education in combating e-mobility fire hazards.Want to learn more? Find out more about Gentoo’s proactive approach here or listen to Gentoo representatives speaking to industry professionals in the recorded webinar, E-Mobility and Fire Safety – Are We Facing a Growing Risk?