The West Midlands has seen a 50 per cent increase in fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters in two years
West Midlands firefighters are backing calls for tougher laws on e-bike and e-scooter batteries after a shocking increase in fires linked to lithium batteries. Pictured: The scene of an e-bike battery fire in Coventry(Image: West Midlands Fire Service)
West Midlands firefighters are backing calls for tougher laws around e-bike and e-scooter battery regulation after a shocking increase in fires linked to lithium batteries.
The West Midlands has seen a 50 per cent increase in fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters over the last two years, new figures reveal.
West Midlands Fire Service is supporting consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First in calling for the stronger regulation of e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries to prevent substandard or poor quality batteries getting into people’s homes.
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In November 2024, West Midlands couple Natasha Johnson-Mall and Karlo Bogdan died along with their two dogs following an horrific blaze sparked by an e-bike battery, which ripped through their home.
The inferno, which an experienced firefighter said was the hottest and worst he had seen in 21 years, started in their maisonette, leaving the couple unable to escape.
In April, seven people were rushed to hospital in Cardiff after a fire, sparked by a battery-powered scooter, gutted their family home in the middle of the night.
And in September 2023, a fire broke out on the 11th floor of a tower block in Coventry, which was caused by an e-bike battery. The incident was attended by around 50 firefighters.
Couple Karlo and Natasha were tragically killed in a house fire horrific sparked by an e-bike battery in November 2024(Image: West Midlands Fire Service/SWNS)
Support from fire crews came as the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill makes its way through the House of Commons ahead of its final stages in Parliament.
The Bill is expected to tackle key issues, including the safety of products sold through online marketplaces and the regulation of products such as e-bikes and their batteries.
West Midlands Fire Service is the second-largest fire and rescue service in England.
Lesley Rudd, chief executive at Electrical Safety First, said: “The increasing number of fires caused by e-bike and e-scooter batteries, not only in the West Midlands but right across the country, shows how urgently we need new laws to tackle this issue. It’s imperative the Government’s Product Regulation and Metrology Bill adequately addresses the problem.
“We’re thrilled to have the backing of West Midlands Fire Service, who are all too familiar with the devastating impact substandard e-bike battery fires can wreak on households. Their involvement is pivotal in tackling this deadly issue and bringing about improved safety measures.”
Emily Fernandez, head of prevention for West Midlands Fire Service, said: “West Midlands Fire Service is pleased to support Electrical Safety First’s important campaign to improve safety around e-bike batteries. We also continue to work closely with others in the sector – including London Fire Brigade – in support of the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill.
“Educating people about the risks of lithium-ion batteries, and raising awareness, is vital. If we can help increase understanding, we can help influence safer choices. Preventing potentially serious and tragic incidents is far better than people needing to call for our help should the unthinkable happen.”