General · 11 May 2026
E-bikes, scooters spark 5 UK battery fires daily
People face more fires in homes and recycling sites as rechargeable batteries become common in bikes, scooters and phones. QBE said brigades across Britain attended 1,760 lithium-ion incidents during 2025, equal to one call roughly every five hours. London crews handled 230 ebike blazes last year, while officials warned uncertified conversion kits and chargers raise dangers for firefighters and nearby residents.
Reported by The Guardian · How we write briefs