The fire broke out in Renshaw Close, Catford, London, after an old electric bicycle was being charged. The fire quickly spread and caused small explosions. Three people were in the house when the electric bicycle battery caught fire on the second floor.
While the fire was still going on, one person managed to escape safely through the front door, but two others were trapped in the attic because the exit was blocked by the fire. They had no choice but to climb out the skylight onto the roof.
However, one of them fell from the roof and was found in the garden by firefighters when they arrived. She suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries. At the same time, the other woman was still stuck on the roof when the fire brigade arrived. A 9m ladder was set up by the fire brigade to help the victim down.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field said: “We recorded around 160 fires involving electric bikes and scooters in London in 2024, which shows the danger they can pose.
The bike that exploded was made from a regular bicycle with a lithium-ion battery added and was plugged in to charge when the fire broke out. It was purchased second-hand from an online marketplace and the charger used was not compatible with the battery," Field said.
According to the authority, electric bikes are one of the fastest growing fire hazards in London, with an average fire occurring every two days. Some of the vehicles are dangerous and pose a high risk of malfunction, especially if they are replaced or converted from used goods, especially if the batteries are not compatible with the charger.
"We always recommend that people buy products from reputable stores where the products are likely to meet safety standards. In addition, keep electric bikes or scooters outdoors or in the garage. If forced to leave them indoors, do not charge or store them near the exit, but place them in a room with a bell and fire extinguisher or alarm. Users should also use the correct charger, do not charge for too long and do not charge when unattended," Field shared.
