Worryingly, e-bikes and e-scooters remain the country’s fastest growing fire risk. Since 2020, over 190 people have been injured and tragically, at least 13 lives have been lost due to e-mobility battery fires. Multiple UK fire services have reported that of the rising number of e-battery fires they attend, many of the batteries are “homemade or modified in some way”.
This follows the serious injury of a man believed to be a food delivery rider, when his electric bike caught fire while charging in a bedroom. London Fire Brigade (LFB) said the victim suffered burns to several parts of his body and noted that he had been using a charger purchased from an online marketplace, just a day earlier.
London Fire Brigade has identified the app-based food delivery sector as a key area of concern due to the widespread use of bicycles converted to e-bikes. In addition, in 2024, City of London Police recorded 295 seizures of modified e-bikes. Most of the riders who had illegally modified e-bikes were food deliverers trying to get a faster vehicle to do their job.
Safety charity, Electrical Safety First (ESF), notes that most delivery riders are employed as independent contractors and are paid by the number of jobs they do which can lead to them sourcing and modifying e-bikes at their own cost. “As conversion kits sold online can be a fraction of the cost of a ready-built e-bike, they are more likely to appeal to those with less disposable income,” reasons ESF.
Clearly, the need for greater education, evaluation and mitigation around e-bikes and e-bike modification, is urgent.
How have the big companies responded?
Deliveroo and Amazon are teaming up with the London Fire Brigade (#ChargeSafe campaign) to combat the growing risk of e-bike and e-scooter fires. Deliveroo holds Rider Roadshows, educating delivery riders on proper device care. These efforts aim to curb unsafe practices like DIY modifications and the use of counterfeit chargers. Meanwhile, Amazon now sends safety tips to customers purchasing e-bike-related products.
Deliveroo
A Deliveroo spokesperson said the company takes its “responsibilities seriously to ensure the safety of riders and the communities where we operate”. The company have been active participants in the LFB’s #ChargeSafe campaign, organising ‘Rider Roadshow’ events where delivery riders meet firefighters at stations across London.
The direct engagement for riders emphasises responsible use of e-bikes at home and work and advocates the importance of high safety standards for equipment sold to riders.
Previously, a page on the delivery site included a guide to converting your own e-bike, which has now been removed. The company note, “If you’re considering converting your existing bicycle to an e-bike, Deliveroo highly recommends using a reputable provider who can ensure that the bike is converted safely and legally.”
Some incentives, such as a rider discount page for a reputable e-bike subscription, have also been introduced.
Amazon
Amazon’s contribution focuses around buying and selling legislation, in response to the potential dangers of ‘at home’ device modification and conversion.
The International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ) say that Amazon is enforcing stricter safety standards by requiring sellers to provide proof of compliance with applicable laws and documented testing from accredited laboratories.
Thanks to a collaboration with the London Fire Brigade, when someone buys an e-bike, e-scooter or accessory such as a battery pack, conversion kit or charger from Amazon, they will receive an email notification with easy-to-understand tips on how to use and store them safely. At metroSTOR, we believe it’s critical to create dialogue and lead education to reduce risk. Find out more about e-mobility fire safety – Educate, Evaluate and Mitigate.
