Release date: 20 January 2026
Firefighters have issued a warning after attending a fire in Shoreham which was caused by an e-bike battery.
One crew responded to a small fire in the open in Church Green, Shoreham at 2.28pm on Monday (12 January) where a lithium-ion battery from an e-bike conversion kit had gone into thermal runaway, causing it to ignite.
Conversion kits allow people to add an electric motor to a standard bicycle. They often require a battery and charger to be purchased separately which may not be compatible and therefore increase the risk of a fire.
Upon arrival firefighters submerged the battery in water to cool it down and used a thermal imaging camera to monitor the temperature.
Crew Commander Mike Wattam said: “E-bike conversion kits are becoming increasingly popular, but they pose a serious fire risk when incompatible batteries and chargers are used.
“Electronic devices, batteries, and chargers should only be purchased from reputable retailers to ensure they meet UK product safety standards.”
Station Manager Darren Wickings, Chair of the lithium-ion group LIBERATE, said: “E-bike conversions should only be carried out by a professional. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do not attempt to modify or tamper with the battery, charger or motor yourself.
“Always use the correct charger to charge your batteries. Charge them on a flat, solid and stable surface and don’t leave them charging while unattended or overnight.
“Ensure you have working smoke alarms near to where you charge your batteries. Never charge electric bikes and scooters in areas where they could block your means of an escape in an emergency.”
The LIBERATE group shares best practice and awareness around the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and serves as a forum to monitor emerging trends to reduce the risk that they pose. It has a membership of 220 individuals from a variety of organisations, including other fire and rescue services and waste management companies.
