The Charge Safe Campaign, brought together over 250 Deliveroo riders and local residents. This was for an afternoon of safety to prevent e-bike fires caused by batteries, sustainability, and community spirit. This was led by the Emergency Management Team, London Fire Brigade, Parking Services, and Deliveroo.
On Thursday, 22nd May 2025, the heart of Ealing pulsed with energy, not just from the hum of E-bikes, but from a powerful community gathering outside Ealing Town Hall.
🔥 Spot the Fire Truck, Learn the Rules!
The star of the show? A big red fire truck parked proudly in front of the Ealing Town Hall. But this wasn’t just a photo session, it was a symbol of awareness. Unfortunately, Ealing has seen over 20 E-bike battery fires over the past few years many of these incidents needed to assist displaced residents. With the rise of E-bikes and E-scooters, battery safety has become a critical issue. So spreading the word on the risks is vital.
🌍 Charging Up for a Greener Future
Battery safety isn’t only about preventing fires, it’s also about the climate and sustainability. E-bikes are a greener alternative to cars, reducing emissions and easing congestion. However, sustainability doesn’t stop at the ride, it extends to what we ride, and how we charge, maintain, and dispose of our devices.
Their advice when charging your e-bike or e-scooter and to reduce risk of them overheating and prevent e-bike fires, don’t:
- Charge e-bikes and e-scooters in bedrooms or where escape routes can be blocked – for example, hallways.
- Leave your battery charging unattended, when you are out or while you are asleep.
- Cover chargers or battery packs when charging
- Overload sockets or use inappropriate extension leads
- Charge or store batteries in direct sunlight or in hot locations (above 45⁰C)
- Charge batteries close to combustible materials or hazardous substances.
- Keep your plug your charger when you have finished charging. Always unplug.
- If your battery can be removed from your e-bike or e-scooter and charged separately, it should be charged on a hard flat surface where heat can disperse and in area with good ventilation.
You must stop using or charging your battery immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Overheating: If your device’s battery feels extremely hot to the touch.
- Deformation: If your battery looks swollen. Similar signs include any type of lump or leaking from the device.
- Noise: If your battery is making hissing or cracking sounds.
- Smell: If you notice a strong or unusual smell coming from the battery
- Performance: If your battery does not fully charge or is taking longer to charge than normal
- Smoke: If your battery or device is smoking
Taking these steps will reduce the risk of the battery causing fires. These safe charging practices are advocated by Charge Safe Campaign. They are also asking for:
- Reduction of electronic waste
- Lowering carbon footprints
- Longer-lasting devices, which means fewer replacements and less environmental impact.
E-Scooters used on roads
In the UK only e-scooters participating in official rental e-scooter trials may be used legally on roads. Read more about these legal scooter hire schemes in Ealing E-Bike and E-Scooter Rentals come to Southall in Ealing Expansion.
For other e-scooters outside of these schemes are classed as Powered Transporters. These cannot be used legally on the road. If you use an e-scooter illegally, you could face a fine and penalty points on your licence, and the e-scooter could be impounded.
🚲 What’s Next?
As Ealing continues to grow as a hub for delivery riders and eco-conscious commuters, initiatives like this are vital to keep people safe and reduce the risks of fire. Whether you’re a rider, a resident, or just someone who cares about the planet, remember follow the advice above and charge safe.
For more information on future projects, please feel free to reach out to the Emergency Management Team by email Emergencymanagement@ealing.gov.uk
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