The Department for Transport (DfT) has published guidance on how to safely purchase, charge and use e-bikes and e-scooters following a spate of fires.

The new guidance is designed to ensure public safety and mitigate fire risks

Aimed at users, owners and transport operators, it’s designed to ensure public safety and mitigate fire risks.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) warned recently that fires involving lithium batteries are the fastest-growing fire risk in the capital. On average, it’s called to an e-bike or e-scooter fire once every two days.

The LFB also said if e-bike/e-scooter batteries become damaged or begin to fail, they can start “incredibly ferocious fires”. Lithium battery fires can spread quickly out of control, and within minutes have started a large fire.

The new DfT guidance covers e-bike/scooter safe storage and charging, the warning signs for fire risk and how to address them, and how to dispose of batteries responsibly.

Developed in consultation with industry, it also raises awareness on how to safely purchase an e-cycle or e-scooter, ensure it meets manufacturing requirements and is only bought from reputable sellers.

The guidance also reminds people that e-scooters cannot be used legally on roads unless they are part of the official rental trials running in England.

Separate guidance has been issued to help public transport operators assess and manage fire risks associated with the carriage of e-bikes and e-scooters on trains and buses. Similar information has been produced for those managing premises such as schools and workplaces.

Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Anthony Browne said: “Safety has always been our top priority, which is why our latest guidance aims to improve the awareness of e-bike and e-scooter users in the trial areas where they’re authorised.”

The Home Office published its own advice on fire safety for e-scooters and e-bikes last year, while the Office for Product Safety and Standard (OPSS) is currently conducting a safety study on the lithium-ion batteries used in them and taking enforcement action where unsafe products are found.

The Government was criticised for failing to introduce plans to legalise the safer and responsible use of e-scooters in the recent King’s Speech, despite previously promised to introduce a new regulatory framework through a Transport Bill.

Instead, the DfT recently announced the extension of the public e-scooter trials until May 2026 – which it says will also enable the Government to build on current learning across areas including usage, safety and environmental impacts, and to explore changing travel patterns since the pandemic.