Uber Eats and LFB team up to tackle e-bike fires

London Fire Brigade and Uber Eats are working together to guide delivery drivers on safe charging for e-bikes and e-scooters. The partnership aims to raise awareness of fire risks linked to lithium-ion batteries and to provide training for couriers through the Uber Eats platform. London recorded 206 e-bike fires in 2025 and, in the first four months of 2026, London Fire Brigade responded to 56 e-bike fires and eight e-scooter fires. The campaign warns that unsafe products bought online can lead to devastating outcomes. Since 2023, three people have died in fires confirmed to involve e-bikes, and additional deaths occurred last year with causes still under coroner review. New laws will allow government action against online marketplaces, and further regulation is urged to ensure only safe products are sold online.

"LFB and Uber Eats are teaming up to provide guidance to delivery drivers on safe charging after a record number of e-bike and e-scooter fires in the capital last year. The partnership aims to inform riders about potential fire risks linked to lithium-ion batteries and offers training for couriers which can be accessed via the Uber Eats platform."

"In 2025 (Jan - Dec), there were a record 206 e-bike fires in London. In the first four months of 2026, LFB tackled 56 e-bike fires and eight e-scooter fires. LFB's deputy assistant commissioner, Richard Field, said that while cheaper products may appear attractive, "if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is"."

""Our firefighters have seen first-hand the devastating consequences when owners buy unsafe products online. "When buying and using e-bikes we ask that owners think carefully and educate themselves about the fire safety risks in order to keep themselves and those around them safe.""

"The LFB launched its Charge Safe campaign in March 2023 to promote the safe use of batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters and help prevent fires. Since 2023, three people have died in fires confirmed to have been caused by an e-bike. There were three more deaths involving e-bikes last year but the cause of death has not yet been determined by the coroner, the LFB said."

Read at www.bbc.com