E-bike boom linked to lithium battery fires – what are your rights if you are injured?

Electric bikes (e-bikes) and scooters (e-scooters) are an increasingly common sight across the UK.  However, with this rise in popularity has come a significant increase in serious fire risks linked to lithium-ion batteries.

Research by global business insurer QBE revealed that UK e-bike fires attended by fire services rose 250% between 2022 and 2025. Fire brigades have reported a sharp rise in incidents, with thousands of lithium battery fires attended in recent years, many occurring within residential properties. Figures suggest that since 2022 at least 16 people have died and hundreds more have been injured in fires linked to e-bikes and e-scooters.

Why are these fires so dangerous?

Lithium-ion battery fires are typically caused by a process known as ‘thermal runaway’ where the battery overheats and ignites uncontrollably.

Unlike ordinary fires, they can:

• Start and spread extremely quickly
• Produce intense heat and jet like flames
• Emit highly toxic smoke
• Re-ignite even after appearing to be extinguished

In many reported cases, fires have started when batteries were left charging overnight, particularly where after market or incompatible components were used.

What injuries can be caused?

Injuries arising from these fires can be severe and, in some cases, life changing.

Common injuries include:

• Burns – minor to severe burns, deep tissue damage and injuries requiring skin grafts. Permanent scarring or disfigurement can also be caused
• Smoke inhalation can be just as serious as burns and may cause breathing difficulties, lung damage, carbon monoxide poisoning and long-term respiratory problems
• Psychological injuries including anxiety, sleep disturbance and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

If you are injured as a result of an e-bike or lithium battery fire, you may be entitled to bring a personal injury claim for compensation.

One key issue will be establishing who is responsible for the fire.

Who may be liable?

Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may fall on:-

• The manufacturer or importer of the goods – if the battery or e-bike was defective, a claim can be brought under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, which imposes strict liability for unsafe products
• Retailer or supplier – where unsafe products have been supplied, particularly without adequate warnings or instructions
• Third parties – against individuals who carried out unsafe modifications or employers (if the incident occurred in a workplace)

What should you do after an accident?

If you are involved in a fire caused by a lithium battery, there are a number of important steps you should take:

• Seek medical attention immediately
• Try to obtain details of the e-bike, battery and charger involved
• Take photographs of the scene and any damage
• Keep any damaged parts if it is safe to do so
• Obtain the fire brigade or incident report
• Speak to a solicitor as soon as possible

If you or a member of your family has been injured as a result of an e-bike or lithium battery fire, it is important to seek legal advice at an early stage. You may be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries, loss of earnings, medical treatment and damage to your property.

Contact a member of our Personal Injury Team for a free consultation to see how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.