10 fires were recorded throughout Merseyside last year
10 fires were recorded throughout Merseyside last year
Home-made DIY conversion kits are being applied to e-bikes across Merseyside leading to an increase in “sudden and intense” blazes. Throughout the UK, fires involving the electric vehicles reached a record high last year with more than 400 incidents attended to by fire and rescue services nationwide.
Of those, 10 e-bike fires were recorded as being dealt with by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) alongside a single scooter occurrence. This has prompted officials to issue a warning to those thinking of making modifications to their bikes or scooters.
Mark Thomas, MFRS head of prevention, said fires from vehicle batteries cause a “significantly greater risk” to owners. Users are also advised to not leave scooters or bikes on charge overnight when “at our most vulnerable.”
The 432 recorded incidents in 2025 across the UK represented an increase of 38% from 313 in 2024, and is more than five times higher than the 84 fires recorded in 2021. Meanwhile, there were 147 e-scooter fires recorded last year, representing a 20% jump from 123 in 2024. In 2021 the figure was 88.
Area manager Thomas explained how the issue has been presenting itself across our region. He said: “Fires involving the batteries of e-scooters and e-bikes can be very sudden and intense, causing a significantly greater risk to residents.
“In Merseyside, we are seeing more fires caused by modified e-bikes with DIY conversion kits that aren’t purchased from a reliable source or reputable supplier. As a result, these kits and batteries do not meet UK safety standards and are more prone to failure than the manufacturer’s recommended units.
“Always use manufacturer-recommended batteries and chargers as incompatible chargers and batteries increase the risk of fire – if you’re unsure, look for the UKCA or CE markings to check that your battery and charger meet UK safety standards.
“Never block your escape route with anything, but especially e-bikes and e-scooters, because if the batteries do fail, it will compromise your ability to escape the property.
“We understand that some people need to charge e-bikes and e-scooters overnight, but we would urge residents to not charge while they sleep because this is when we are all at our most vulnerable.
“Try to charge during the day and outside of the home if possible. If something happens in the night, get out, stay out, and call 999.”
There are common signs that your battery may be failing to look out for:
- Swell – A battery swelling or bulging out of shape is a common sign of it failing
- Sound – failing lithium batteries may also make hissing or cracking sounds
- Smell – A strong or unusual smell coming from the battery may mean the battery is failing
- Stopping – If your battery stops charging, doesn’t fully charge or takes too long to charge, this can also be a sign
- Smoke – If your battery, bike or scooter is smoking, this means a fire has already started. Get out, stay out, call 999.
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- Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service
