Firefighters have renewed warnings over e-bike safety following a fire at a block of flats in Perivale on Sunday evening (11 May). The blaze, caused by a failed lithium-ion battery on a converted e-bike, damaged part of a communal hallway on Bilton Road.
One man, three women and a child were rescued from a first-floor flat by firefighters and taken to hospital as a precaution for smoke inhalation.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “The bike was being stored in a communal hallway meaning the fire would have impeded people’s escape. If you can, store an e-bike or e-scooter outdoors.
“If you keep an e-bike or e-scooter indoors, make sure it is never being stored or charged on an escape route… Instead, have it in a room away from the door, where in the event of a fire, you can shut the door and get everyone to safety.”
The Brigade said fires involving e-bikes or e-scooters occur, on average, once every two days in London.
The spokesperson added: “The bike had been converted from a normal pedal cycle by having lithium-ion batteries fitted. It is vital that any conversion is carried out by a professional or competent person.
“We encourage anyone who owns an e-bike or e-scooter, or is thinking about purchasing one, to take a look at all of our #ChargeSafe advice on our website to help keep themselves and those around them safer from these types of fires.”
The fire broke out just after 9.20pm, with three fire engines from Wembley and Park Royal stations attending. Crews brought the blaze under control by 10.37pm.
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