Lithium Battery Fire Risk: Protecting Residents and Assets - An Essential Update for Housing Maintenance Teams

Summary: E-bike and e-scooter battery fires are a fast-growing risk in UK housing. This post explains the causes, the practical controls housing teams should implement, and where Upkeep Training can help with skills, compliance, and resident engagement.

Why this matters now: London Fire Brigade reports e-bike/e-scooter fires on average every other day, with incidents spreading rapidly and producing toxic smoke. London Fire Brigade+1

The risk in plain terms

When lithium-ion batteries fail (“thermal runaway”), fires can ignite suddenly, develop ferociously, and emit highly toxic smoke. The danger isn’t limited to riders; it affects anyone living or working nearby, especially in blocks where common parts can quickly fill with smoke. Positioning chargers or storing bikes on escape routes (hallways, stair bottoms) can trap residents and escalate damage before the fire service arrives. London Fire Brigade

Why these fires happen

Common contributors housing teams should be alert to:

• Incorrect or cheap chargers that overcharge cells

• DIY conversions using online kits fitted with minimal guidance

• Damaged, swollen or wet batteries being re-used

• Charging in escape routes (hallways, under stairs, by front doors)

• Lack of smoke detection where charging occurs

Key London data point: LFB attended 143 e-bike and 36 e-scooter fires in 2023 (about one every two days). The trend remains elevated in 2024–25. London Fire Brigade+1

Charge-safe guidance to share with residents

• Buy e-bikes/e-scooters and parts only from reputable sellers

• Use the correct charger and follow the manufacturer’s instructions

• Let batteries cool down before re-charging

• Unplug chargers once charging is finished

• Never tamper with batteries or attempt DIY conversions

• Check battery/charger meet UK safety standards

• Store and charge away from exits/escape routes – never by the front door or stairs

• Fit and test smoke alarms where charging takes place

• If a fire starts: get out, stay out, call 999 – do not fight the fire

These points align with current LFB public safety advice on lithium batteries. London Fire Brigade

What housing maintenance & asset teams should do

1. Risk-spotting & inspection protocols

   • Check for charging in hallways/under-stairs areas, damaged leads, non-OEM chargers, daisy-chained extensions, and DIY conversion kits.

   • Record hazards during visits and escalate where residents are at risk.

2. Resident communication

   • Add a “charge-safe” leaflet to sign-ups and tenancy visits.

   • Use block notices and SMS/email nudges in winter months when indoor charging rises.

3. Policy & compliance alignment

   • Treat lithium battery charging on escape routes as a HHSRS and fitness for habitation concern; build it into inspections and follow-up actions.

   • Coordinate with compliance, health & safety and fire risk assessment teams to ensure controls are consistent across estates.

Upskill your team with Upkeep Training

• Fitness for Habitation & HHSRS awareness – build your team’s understanding of statutory duties and hazard rating so they can recognise and act on battery risks found on escape routes. See our All Courses page. Upkeep Training

• Damp, Condensation & Mould (incl. Awaab’s Law context) – while a different hazard, this popular course shows how we translate regulation into day-to-day practice and resident comms. (Available as classroom and e-learning.) Upkeep Training+1

• Inspecting a Property – practical techniques for identifying common defects and recording/reporting hazards during visits. Upkeep Training

• CIH Level 5 Diploma in Housing – for leaders who want a comprehensive, career-boosting qualification covering legal frameworks, service quality and asset strategies. Upkeep Training

• Bespoke In-House Courses – need lithium-battery-specific inspection protocols, scripts for resident conversations, and block-notice templates? We’ll tailor a live online course for your organisation. Upkeep Training

(If you’re unsure which route fits your team, start with our In-House Courses page and speak to us.) Upkeep Training

Recommended next steps for landlords

1. Publish a “Charge Safe” house rule for all blocks and sheltered schemes.

2. Add lithium battery checks to void inspections, routine visits, and responsive repairs protocols.

3. Brief customer-facing staff (repairs call handlers, HOs, caretakers) with a 10-minute crib sheet and escalation pathway.

4. Track incidents and near misses in your compliance dashboard to evidence action.

Talk to Upkeep Training

To ensure your teams are prepared for fast-moving lithium battery risks—or to explore courses like Repairs Reporting Skills, HHSRS awareness, or a bespoke in-house session for your stock - reach us on 0208 123 0804 or visit our All Courses page. Charge safe, communicate clearly, and keep escape routes clear. Upkeep Training