A devastating fire caused by an e-bike battery explosion has destroyed a family home in Catford, southeast London, just days before Christmas, according to the London Fire Brigade (LFB).
The incident, which occurred on December 14, has raised serious concerns about the safety of e-bikes, particularly those that have been modified or purchased from online marketplaces.
The fire started when an e-bike, which had been converted from a conventional pedal cycle by adding a battery pack, was being charged.
The LFB reported that the explosion occurred with alarming speed, and footage captured by a doorbell camera showed the house engulfed in flames within moments.
One occupant was forced to escape through the front door, while two others, trapped in a converted loft, had to climb through a skylight onto the roof.
LFB personnel responded swiftly to the scene, where they battled the fire that had spread across much of the first floor and completely destroyed the loft.
Tragically, one man fell from the roof while trying to escape and sustained serious injuries. A woman, also on the roof, slipped but was caught by a firefighter before being treated for smoke inhalation.
LFB Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field described the fire as “devastating,” but emphasized that it was fortunate that no lives were lost.
He highlighted the growing risk of e-bike-related fires in the city, noting that London has witnessed around 160 e-bike and e-scooter fires this year alone, with incidents occurring on average once every other day.
“This incident highlights the dangers e-bikes and e-scooters can pose,” Field said, urging the public to be cautious when purchasing such devices, especially online.
“If you’re planning on buying an e-bike or e-scooter for yourself or a loved one for Christmas and you see an offer online that seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
The e-bike involved in the fire was purchased from an online marketplace, underscoring the potential risks associated with buying electrical products from unverified sources.
In light of this incident, experts are warning consumers about the dangers of modified or poorly manufactured e-bike batteries.
Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of the charity Electrical Safety First, urged the public to prioritize safety when buying e-bikes and e-scooters.
“Batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters can cause devastating fires if they are modified, damaged, charged incorrectly, or manufactured to a poor standard,” Rudd explained.
She recommended buying products from reputable high-street retailers to reduce the risk of fire hazards.
The dangers of e-bike batteries have been highlighted in other recent incidents. In June, a coroner called for government action after the death of a man in Bristol whose home was engulfed in flames due to an overheating e-bike battery.
Additionally, a Cambridge man has called for urgent safety measures after his partner and two children perished in a fire caused by a similar incident.
In response to these growing concerns, the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade launched a campaign in October to encourage consumers to buy only safe electrical products from reputable sellers.
The initiative aims to raise awareness about the risks of faulty or unsafe electrical devices, particularly in the run-up to the holiday season when many people purchase gifts.
As e-bikes continue to rise in popularity, this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety when handling and purchasing electric-powered devices.
