Non-folding e-bikes banned due to fire risk

All non-folding e-bikes will be banned from most Transport for London (TfL) services, including on the tube, overground, Elizabeth line and Docklands Light Railway (DLR), from Monday (March 31).

Anybody who does not comply may be refused entry, directed to leave the network, or face a fine of up to £1,000, if prosecuted.

Following a review of the safety of e-bikes with the London Fire Brigade (LFB), TfL says that, while the majority of e-bikes are safe, there have been a small number of incidents where non-foldable e-bikes have caught fire on the transport system in London. 

In February, for example, an e-bike caught fire on the platform at Rayners Lane Tube station, while there was an e-bike fire at Sutton rail station in March 2024.

To ensure the safety of the network for customers and staff, it has decided to implement the ban, which will also apply to standard cycles that have been converted to e-bikes using conversion kits.

TfL’s analysis suggests that cycles that have been adapted using electronic conversion kits pose a greater fire risk than purpose-built e-bikes, however, it can be hard to differentiate between modified and un-modified e-bikes. 

Until improved product safety measures are in place for converted cycles, batteries and chargers, it says that a ban is necessary for all non-folded e-bikes. 

TfL says it is not aware of any reports of foldable e-bike fires in London, and there are fewer opportunities for foldable cycles to be converted into e-bikes using conversion kits, due to their specific shape, size and mechanical constraints.

TfL and LFB are working with Government to seek improved product safety for electronic cycles. 

Non-folding bikes are currently not permitted on buses or trams. No e-bikes are permitted on the IFS Cloud Cable Car, and this will remain the position. 

Due to the particular safety arrangements and operational environments of these services, non-foldable e-bikes will continue to be permitted on the Woolwich Ferry, river services (subject to operator), coach services (subject to operator), and on the Silvertown Tunnel Cycle Shuttle Service when it opens on April 7. 

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The safety of Londoners is my top priority and, while most e-bikes are safe, there have been a small number of incidents where non-foldable e-bikes have caught fire on the transport system, which have caused me great concern.

“This is why, following a comprehensive review of the safety of e-bikes, TfL is banning all non-folding e-bikes on tube and rail services. 

“I have asked TfL to continue to work with Government and partners to improve e-bike safety as we build a safer London for everyone.”

TfL’s analysis drew on evidence of reported electric bike fires incidents to date, which showed a higher level of occurrence of fire in non-folding e-bikes.

TfL is the first transport operator in the UK to enforce a ban on its services.

Lilli Matson, TfL’s chief safety, health and environment officer, said: “Customers with non-foldable e-bikes will not be permitted to use our tube and rail services. 

“This safety ban will play a vital role in keeping our transport system safe for everyone, and we continue to work with partners in government and beyond to improve e-bike safety.”

E-bike fire risk

Practice leader for property Risk Solutions at business insurer QBE, Adrian Simmonds, has been closely monitoring the growing safety concerns around lithium-ion batteries – especially as electric micromobility surges in popularity.

His team recently analysed Freedom of Information (FOI) data from UK fire services showing a 70% rise in e-bike fires last year alone, with the London Fire Brigade accounting for more than 40% of those nationally.

In 2023, it says that 270 e-bike fires were recorded across the UK, up from 158 in 2022.

Conversion kits and uncertified batteries have been identified as particular safety risks – exactly the type of concerns highlighted in TfL’s decision.

Simmonds said: “We are seeing more fires linked to lithium-ion batteries and e-bikes which is concerning.

“Lithium-ion fires burn differently from normal fires, so people attempting to put them out face more risks of injury.

“We welcome more stringent rules on the use of e-bikes using lithium-ion batteries but it’s important to also improve awareness on maintenance, storage and disposal of lithium-ion batteries to protect people and property.”

QBE is calling for stronger regulation, third-party product certifications and more consumer education as demand for e-bikes grows.

TfL introduced a ban on all privately-owned e-scooters and e-unicycles from London’s transport network in 2021.  

That decision was again driven by safety concerns following fires on TfL premises and services.

LFB’s deputy commissioner for prevention, protection and policy, Charlie Pugsley, said: “We welcome this move by Transport for London following their detailed safety review, as it acknowledges the risks that we know e-bike batteries can pose.

“While we recognise the sustainable benefits e-bikes, and micromobility generally, bring to our city, the reality is that across London we have been seeing an e-bike or e-scooter fire every other day, on average, and we have particular concern about the risk posed by conversion kits or modified e-bikes. 

“When these fires occur, they can be sudden, incredibly ferocious and produce smoke that is extremely toxic.”

As part of London Fire Brigade's #ChargeSafe campaign, the fire service has been raising awareness about the fire risks and educating people on how they can store and charge their e-bikes safely. 

“We are also working closely with the Government to improve the regulation around e-bikes and e-scooters,” continued Pugsley. 

“We hope this will reduce the risk of consumers being exposed to products like batteries and chargers that are more likely to malfunction because of the way they have been built, especially if they have been bought from an online marketplace or auction site where products may not meet safety standards.”

Ben Mercer, marketing director at Leisure Lakes Bikes, one of the UK's leading electric bikes suppliers, says that there is “no doubt” that this is the right call to ensure customer and staff safety on the transport network.

He added: “Around 200 fires recorded in 2023, resulting in 10 fatalities, were started in e-bikes or e-scooters, powered by lithium-ion batteries.

“The issue is that lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and e-bike conversion kits can pose a serious fire risk through a process known as thermal runaway.

“Both producers and suppliers of lithium-ion batteries need to do more to make sure their products are in line with legal safety requirements under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (GPSR) as it applies in Great Britain (GB).

“It's important to understand that placing unsafe lithium-ion battery products on the market is an offence.

“It’s vital that businesses, including retailers, do their bit too. By making themselves aware of these guidelines and adhering to them, businesses can help to make sure these dangerous products don’t become available on the UK market. That way e-bikes will become less of a fire risk, in time.”