London’s e-bike fire crisis: how a battery recall is failing to stem the growing danger

The number of e-bike–related fires in London is reaching disturbing new heights. By the end of September 2025, 165 incidents had already been recorded across the capital — an average of 18 blazes per month — with Fire Brigade projections suggesting London could exceed 200 in a single year for the first time. Tragically, four people have lost their lives so far, in cases where they were not even the owners or users of the bikes that caused the fire.
These alarming figures are part of a broader national trend. In 2024 alone, UK fire services responded to over 200 battery-related fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters — a steep rise from just a handful reported in previous years. Safety experts warn that without more robust regulation and consumer vigilance, the problem will only intensify.
Why fires are rising — and what’s behind them
At the heart of these tragedies is the nature of lithium-ion battery technology. When a battery fails catastrophically, it can enter a process known as thermal runaway — a self-accelerating chemical reaction that can generate temperatures exceeding 600 °C, release toxic gases, and provoke violent fires that are very hard to contain.
Mark Reece, an electric-bike specialist at Rev Monkey, explains how this hazard increasingly connects to off-brand or aftermarket batteries:
“These batteries have been linked to dangerous fires and explosions. When they go into thermal runaway, they can hit 600 °C, release harmful gases, and ignite fires that are difficult to extinguish.”
He points out a particular danger: two UPP-branded battery models (U004 and U004-1), which were subject to a government recall earlier this year, yet continue to appear for sale on peer-to-peer platforms.
“E-bike users could be putting themselves at serious risk without realising it, particularly if they’ve bought a UPP battery through peer-to-peer platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Although major platforms like Amazon and eBay have removed the listings, they’re still circulating privately. Worryingly, sellers may not even realise they’re passing on a recalled product, something that could carry legal consequences under UK product safety law.”
In many of the London fire incidents, batteries have failed while charging, often using incompatible or low-quality chargers, or inside modified bikes and kits. The delivery and gig-economy sectors have especially driven demand for high-powered, modified e-bikes, magnifying the risk.
Spotlight on the UPP recall: still active, still dangerous
Earlier in 2025, the UK government issued a recall for UPP battery models U004 and U004-1, citing safety concerns. Yet Reece warns that these batteries are still being bought and sold in the secondary market across UK cities.
Advice for e-bike owners and sellers
Mark is urging riders, sellers, and hobbyists to inspect their bikes immediately and to remove any recalled cell from service. Key signs that a battery may be unsafe include:
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Visible damage (cracking, swelling, leaks)
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Overheating, unusual odours, or unexpectedly fast discharge
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Voltage deviating significantly from manufacturer specifications
If someone finds they have a recalled battery, Reece recommends:
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Immediately stop using it.
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Store it away from flammable materials, ideally in a fireproof box.
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Do not dispose of it in household bins or general recycling streams.
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Contact the seller (if possible) and seek proper, certified disposal or return.
He also warns that continuing to sell or pass on recalled items may breach product safety laws.
How consumers can stay safer
Given the growing scale of the risk, Reece and safety advocates urge all e-bike owners to adopt more vigilant habits:
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Buy from reputable sellers — Prefer manufacturers that run rigorous safety testing, quality control, and international certifications.
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Check for CE marking and aluminium safety tags — A CE-marked aluminium plate attached to the battery or frame is a red flag in favour of compliance.
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Understand the battery management system (BMS) — High-quality packs typically incorporate safeguards against overcharge, overdischarge, short circuits, and thermal overload.
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Use only the original charger supplied with the bike, or a certified equivalent.
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Inspect regularly — Look for warning signs like bulging, heat, corrosion, or strange noises.
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Charge in safe environments — Avoid charging near fabrics, inside bedrooms, or in confined corridors.
A call for stronger regulation and enforcement
The data suggests more than a consumer awareness problem — it points to a regulatory and enforcement gap. Even when dangerous batteries are recalled, they continue circulating in online marketplaces. The ability to import low-cost, uncertified batteries and conversion kits remains a weak point in the system.
Some recent policy moves reflect growing concern. For example, Transport for London has banned non-folding e-bikes from many public transport systems, citing fire risks from battery conversions.
Yet more needs to be done: strengthened border inspections for battery imports, stricter retailer licensing, tighter controls on online marketplaces, and higher technical safety thresholds for battery manufacturers. Safety groups are also calling for third-party certification and mandatory traceability of battery components.
Conclusion
E-bikes hold huge promise as clean, efficient transport — but that promise can only be realised if safety is taken seriously. The surge in battery fires in London and beyond should act as a wake-up call. Whether you’re a commuter, a courier, or an enthusiast, checking your battery — especially if it’s secondhand or unbranded — must become as routine as checking your brakes.
Sources:
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Metro – E-bike fires set to reach record highs in London as four killed (October 2025)
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The Guardian – Record number of e-bike fires in UK prompts renewed risk warnings (June 2025)
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The Guardian – TfL bans most e-bikes on trains amid concern over igniting batteries (March 2025)
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The Verge – E-bikes banned on London public transport after unsafe mods cause fires (2025)
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Rev Monkey Press Release – E-bike battery safety warning: recalled UPP models still in circulation (2025)
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Stock Photo by Erik Mclean, Pexels