Ever scroll through social media and see another headline screaming about an e-bike fire?
Makes you think twice before hopping on your own e-bike or escooter, right?
But here’s the truth—how worried should you really be?
How Often Do E-Bike Fires Actually Happen?
Let’s break it down.
Statistically, about 1 in 15,000 e-bikes escooter units may catch fire.
Yeah, it’s scary when it happens, but that’s super rare for most owners.
Cities like New York saw 268 incidents in 2023, leading to 18 deaths and 150 injuries.
London had over 130 incidents by September 2024.
Almost half of the UK’s fires came from after-market conversions, not factory-built e-bikes.
So if you’re riding a certified electric bike or e scooter, the odds of fire are very low.
Also Read: Ather 450X vs Ola S1 vs TVS Orbit: City Battle of EVs
Why Some E-Bikes E-scooter Catch Fire
Here’s the kicker—fires don’t usually come from high-quality bikes.
Most happen because someone messed up the battery or charging.
- Using fake or uncertified batteries
- Charging with the wrong charger
- Physical damage to the battery
- DIY or modified bikes and kits
Lithium-ion batteries can burn fast and release toxic smoke.
One wrong move, and it can get dangerous—especially in small apartments or crowded streets.
Cities Are Hotspots, But Why?
Ever wonder why you hear more fire stories from big cities?
High delivery traffic, tight spaces, and lots of cheap conversions make fires more likely.
If you live in a city with many delivery riders, chances are you’ll hear a few scary stories.
How to Stay Safe on Your E-Bike E-scooter
Let’s be real—most people just want to ride safely without losing sleep.
- Stick to certified batteries and chargers
- Charge on a non-flammable surface
- Check your battery regularly for damage or swelling
- Avoid DIY kits or cheap conversions
- Don’t leave your e-bike charging unattended overnight
Following these rules makes your e-bike escooter much safer than most people think.
Bottom Line
Are electric bike fires common? Not really—most owners never experience one.
But can they be dangerous? Absolutely, if you ignore safety rules..
Use proper batteries, avoid cheap mods, and charge smart.
That’s all it takes to enjoy your electric bike or escooter without fear.