Firefighters have issued a warning about the safe storage of e-bikes after a fire outside a block of flats.

The London Fire Brigade was called to the blaze behind a block of flats in Halcomb Street, Hackney in the early hours of July 14.

The fire had broken out in a shed where an e-bike had been left to charge overnight.

Smoke from the blaze activated alarms inside the block of flats, prompting around 20 people to leave the building.

A fire brigade spokesperson said no injuries were reported.

The brigade was called to the scene shortly after midnight, and the fire was under control by around 12.30am.

Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Shoreditch, Islington and Whitechapel stations attended the incident.

An investigation revealed that the cause of the fire was accidental, triggered by the failure of an e-bike lithium battery which was on charge.

Following the incident, LFB assistant commissioner for fire safety Charlie Pugsley said: “This is timely reminder to all e-bike and e-scooter owners to make sure they store their items in a safe location.

“The owner of this e-bike did the right thing storing it outside the flat. By the damage caused it’s easy to see how this could have been a very different story had it been kept inside the building.

“This incident is also a reminder to always use the correct charger and buy an official one from a reputable seller.

“We have particular concerns where batteries have been purchased from online marketplaces and when they've been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards.”

LFB safety tips for e-bike and e-scooter users

 

  • Never block your escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters
  • Advise storing these items in a safe location if possible, such as a garage or a shed
  • Do not attempt to modify or tamper with your battery, converting pedal bikes into e-bikes using DIY kits bought online can be very dangerous
  • Check your battery and charger meets UK safety standards and watch out for if it’s hot to the touch or has changed shape
  • Always use the correct charger and buy an official one from a reputable seller
  • Let the battery cool before charging
  • Unplug your charger once it’s finished charging and advise that you do not to leave it unattended or while people are asleep
  • Never tackle the fire, get out, stay out (shutting the door if you can) and call 999
  • Fit alarms where you charge