Smoke inhalation afflicts five after e-bike catches fire while charging

Firefighters are issuing another reminder about using e-bikes safely after a fire at a residential block of flats on Great Church Lane in Hammersmith last night.

Half of one e-bike, on the fifth floor of the 18-storey block of flats, was damaged by fire.

Three adults suffering smoke inhalation were led to safety by firefighters from the fifth and sixth floors of the building before being taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.

Another woman and child suffering smoke inhalation were treated on-scene by London Ambulance Service.

The Brigade was called at around 8.45pm yesterday (Thursday) and the fire was under control by 10.30pm. Five fire engines and around 30 firefighters from Kensington, Fulham, Chiswick and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

The fire is believed to have been caused by the catastrophic failure of a battery pack on a converted e-bike that was charging.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “E-bikes and e-scooters are London’s fastest-growing fire risk. If you own an e-bike or e-scooter, there are a number of things you can do to help keep yourself and those around you safe.

“The e-bike had been converted from a normal e-bike. Converting pedal bikes into e-bikes using DIY kits bought online can be very dangerous. They can pose a higher risk of fire. Get a professional or competent person to carry out the conversion and make sure to buy a battery from a reputable seller and that it is not second-hand.

“When charging your e-bike or e-scooter, make sure you are using the correct charger. Mismatching the charger increases the risk of fire. It’s also important not to overcharge and to unplug the charger once it’s completed charging.

“Never charge an e-bike or e-scooter unattended or whilst you’re sleeping and don’t charge it on an escape route, such as in a hallway. Instead, charge or store the device outdoors or in a shed. If this is not possible, make sure the device is in a room where you can shut a door and contain a fire.”

E-bikes and e-scooters are powered by lithium batteries. Lithium batteries store a significant amount of energy in a very small space and are much more powerful compared to other types of batteries. If that energy is released in an uncontrolled way, then a fire or explosion may result, the fire brigade say.

If there is overheating, crushing, penetrating or overcharging, then a fault can occur within damaged battery cells which may cause the battery to catch fire and/or explode.

Many of the fires they encounter have involved second-hand vehicles or the bike has been modified using parts bought online.

At the moment, there is not the same level of regulation of products for e-bikes and e-scooters sold via online marketplaces or auction sites when compared to high street shops, so the Brigade cannot be confident that products meet the correct safety standard.

Pictured top: The Great Church Lane tower block where the e-bike caught fire (Picture: LFB)