Lithium and rechargeable Lithium ion batteries

Lithium ion batteries are the rechargeable batteries found in a wide range of electrical items, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, mobile phones and laptops. They pose a particular risk when charging, so it is important to know how to use them safely.

In recent years, the number of fires caused by lithium batteries has rapidly increased. In the last three years, over 70% of these incidents involved a charger. Follow the advice below to reduce your fire risk.

Fire risks from lithium ion batteries

Lithium batteries can overheat and catch fire if they are:

  • Overcharged or left on charge too long

  • Damaged, dropped, or crushed

  • Charged on or near flammable materials

  • Charged with incompatible or fake chargers

  • Improperly disposed of in general waste

Charging safely at home

  • Always use the charger provided or recommended by the manufacturer

  • Charge devices on a flat, hard surface—never on beds or sofas

  • Avoid charging overnight or when you’re not at home

  • Keep devices away from flammable materials while charging

  • Never charge batteries on your escape route or in hallways, if possible, charge and store them away from your living areas.

  • Don’t leave devices plugged in after they’re fully charged

  • Avoid charging in extreme hot or cold conditions

Be aware of the danger

These batteries are safe during normal use, but present a fire risk when over-charged, short-circuited, submerged in water or damaged. They are a main cause of waste fires. Batteries can be damaged by dropping them or crashing e-bikes or e-scooters. Where the battery is damaged, it can overheat and catch fire without warning. These fires quickly spread and are difficult to extinguish, causing widespread damage. Lithium ion battery fires are especially dangerous because:

  • They burn at extremely high temperatures

  • They release toxic gases

  • They can explode violently, scattering flames and debris

  • Water can make the fire worse, as lithium reacts with moisture

  • Never store lithium batteries together, there is an issue of potential battery short circuits if for example the box is contaminated with a metal item e.g. paper clip. Ensure terminals have been taped up before mixing with other items.

Do not attempt to tackle a lithium battery fire yourself.

  • Do not use water or a fire extinguisher unless it's specifically rated for lithium fires.

  • Do not attempt to move a burning item, it could explode

  • Do not put yourself or others at risk

  • Do, get out, stay out, call us out.

E-bikes and E-scooters

Private E-scooters are illegal to use on roads and in public spaces like pavements and shopping centres in UK.

Only “electrically assisted pedal cycles” (EAPCs) are legal in England. The EAPC must be un-modified, have a restricted speed of 15.5mph. You must be over 14 years old to ride an EAPC.

Stay safe by:

  • Buying e-scooters, e-bikes, batteries and chargers from reputable retailers

  • If you need to buy a replacement battery or charger, always choose a branded, genuine product from a supplier you can trust. There are lots of fakes out there, and it can be difficult to spot the difference.

  • Checking that any conversion kits meet British or European safety standards

  • Registering your products with the manufacturer for safety updates and recalls

  • Ensuring components are compatible if bought separately

Learn more about e-bike laws and for e-scooters.

You can also find this video translated into Arabic, Urdu, Romanian and Portuguese (including Brazilian Portuguese) by following this link to the OPSS channel.

E-bikes safety steps to avoid a fire

Batteries don't belong in the bin

Throwing lithium batteries in the general waste can lead to fires in bins and recycling trucks.

Disposal tips:

  • Never put batteries in your household waste or recycling bin

  • Recycle batteries using a battery recycling point or collection service

  • Recycle the full device if the battery can’t be removed

  • Donate or sell working battery-powered items if you no longer need them

  • You can recycle batteries at your local recycling centre.

Extra safety tips

  • Read and follow all safety instructions that come with your device

  • Install and test working smoke alarms in your home

  • Store spare batteries in a cool, dry place away from metal objects

  • When travelling, especially by air, keep battery-powered items separate and check airline guideline