Housefires caused by e-bikes have significantly risen in the last four years.

According to data provided by the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service under the Freedom of Information Act, this year alone has seen eight fires caused by e-bikes.

In 2021 and 2022 respectfully just two fires had been put down to e-bikes, with the first half of 2023 seeing the figures quadruple. 

Surprisingly with e-bike fires on the rise, e-scooter fires have lessened, showing a notable shift in the popularity of small electric transport options.

(Data: Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service 2020-2023)

The London Fire Brigade have announced that e-bike and e-scooter fires are the fastest-growing fire risk in the city.

The Guardian has stated that across the country: "At least 12 people have died and a further 190 injured in suspected e-bike and e-scooter blazes in the UK since 2020."

Previously the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service have made their concerns known and given advice as to how to safely charge the lithium-ion batteries.

It followed a series of fires across the county.

In July a fire tore through a house in Slough as a result of a lithium-ion battery from an e-bike overheating or malfunctioning.

The fire took crews four hours and 10 minutes to put out.

Fire crews reported that the first-floor loft conversion and a roof of a detached property were well alight when they got to the scene.

Earlier fires in December 2022 were also put down to bike chargers.

In Reading a block of flats were woken by an explosion caused by a recently purchased e-bike charger from a popular seller.

The e-bike had been left on charge overnight in the hallway of a flat and the family, along with several other occupants of the building, had to be evacuated.

Just a week later in Slough, fire crews were called to a home in Slough after an e-scooter had caught fire in a ground floor bedroom resulting in the evacuation of three people, with a casualty treated for smoke inhalation and potential burns to their airways.

Data by the consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First discovered 60 listings on popular online marketplaces failed to meet UK safety standards.

READ MORE: Fire service renew warning as report finds 100% ebikes and escooters fail safety test 

Group Manager for Community Risk Management Planning at the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Tim Readings said: “E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular.

"Most are powered by lithium-ion batteries which can be charged in the home."

It has been noted that lithium-ion batteries carry a higher risk and can catch fire "quickly" and with "little warning".

Mr Readings continued: “The danger occurs when e-bikes and e-scooters are left on charge and unattended in homes or in communal areas such as hallways and stairwells, blocking emergency escape routes in multi-occupied buildings.

"The risk increases particularly when they are charged indoors, especially overnight when occupants are asleep.

“We are advising people to buy from reputable retailers, read the instructions carefully and never leave them unattended while charging, particularly overnight while sleeping. We would advise people to avoid charging them indoors if at all possible."

It is advised to always use the manufacturer-approved charger for the product, and if you spot any signs of wear and tear or damage on the batter or the charger to buy an official replacement charger for your product from a reputable seller.

“A catastrophic failure of a battery and charging equipment can occur if left to overheat, often with very little prior warning," Mr Readings said.

"This may lead to an unusually intense fire that can give off toxic gases and large amounts of smoke. In the event of an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire, do not attempt to put it out. Get out, stay out and call 999."