From vapes to EVs: why “battery fire” is not a single risk!
Read the full briefing →Vapes, RC models, e-bikes, e-scooters and electric cars can all use rechargeable lithium cells. The chemistry may be related, but battery size, protection systems, charging behaviour and escape conditions change both the risk and the safe response.
- Insurer-led FOI responses counted 1,760 UK battery-linked fires during 2025
- OPSS received 211 voluntary e-bike and e-scooter fire notifications for 2024
- 77 of 170 e-bike notifications involved a confirmed post-market conversion
- 82 incidents occurred while charging, 80 while not charging and 49 were unknown
- The OPSS notifications disclosed 8 deaths and 86 non-fatal casualties
- If a lithium battery fire starts, leave immediately and call 999