Hammersmith Tower Block Fire Started by E-Bike Battery

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Converted bike was being charged at 18-storey Linacre Court

The e-bike caught fire on the 5th floor of the building. Picture: London Fire Brigade

July 22, 2024

Another reminder has been issued about the potential risk of converted e-bikes after a fire broke out in a tower block in Hammersmith.

The fire is believed to have been caused by the failure of a battery pack on a converted e-bike that was charging on the fifth floor of Linacre Court, an 18-storey building near on Great Church Lane near Talgarth Road.

The Brigade was called at 8.42pm on Thursday 18 July with five fire engines and around 30 firefighters from Kensington, Fulham, Chiswick and surrounding fire stations attending. The fire was under control within two hours.

Three adults suffering smoke inhalation were led to safety by firefighters from the fifth and sixth floors of the building before being taken to hospital. A woman and child suffering smoke inhalation were treated at the scene.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "E-bikes and e-scooters are London's fastest-growing fire risk. If you own an e-bike or e-scooter, there are a number of things you can do to help keep yourself and those around you safe.

"The e-bike had been converted from a normal e-bike. Converting pedal bikes into e-bikes using DIY kits bought online can be very dangerous. They can pose a higher risk of fire. Get a professional or competent person to carry out the conversion and make sure to buy a battery from a reputable seller and that it is not second-hand. 

"When charging your e-bike or e-scooter, make sure you are using the correct charger. Mismatching the charger increases the risk of fire. It's also important not to overcharge and to unplug the charger once it's completed charging. Never charge an e-bike or e-scooter unattended or whilst you're sleeping and don't charge it on an escape route, such as in a hallway. Instead, charge or store the device outdoors or in a shed. If this is not possible, make sure the device is in a room where you can shut a door and contain a fire."

E-bikes and e-scooters are powered by lithium batteries. Lithium batteries store a significant amount of energy in a very small space and are much more powerful compared to other types of batteries. If that energy is released in an uncontrolled way, then a fire or explosion may result. If there is overheating, crushing, penetrating or overcharging, then a fault can occur within damaged battery cells which may cause the battery to catch fire and/or explode.

Many of the fires that London Fire Brigade has been called to have involved second-hand vehicles or the bike has been modified using parts bought online. At this time, there is not the same level of regulation of products for e-bikes and e-scooters sold via online marketplaces or auction sites when compared to high street shops, so the Brigade cannot be confident that products meet the correct safety standard.

The Fire Brigade says that when charging your e-bike or e-scooter, make sure you are using the correct charger. Mismatching the charger increases the risk of fire.

 

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