Firefighters are issuing a reminder about using e-bikes and e-scooters safely following a fire on Twyford Street in Islington.
A converted e-bike was destroyed by fire, along with half of the ground floor and part of the first floor of a maisonette. A communal area was also partially damaged. Six people left the property before firefighters arrived and there were no reports of any injuries.
The fire is believed to have been caused by the catastrophic failure of a lithium-ion battery for an e-bike that was on charge when the fire occurred. The battery was being charged outdoors but the fire spread to the property.
The Brigade understands the battery had been purchased second-hand and an incompatible charger was being used to charge the battery.
Station Commander Chris Mattingley, who attended the scene, said: “Last year, we saw a record number of e-bike and e-scooter fires and we continue to see a worrying amount of fires, including this one last night.
“Fortunately no one was hurt but a significant amount of damage has been caused to the property involved. The owner of the e-bike took the recommended action in charging the battery outside; however it was unfortunately too near to combustible materials allowing the fire to spread more easily once it occurred.
“To reduce the risk of fires starting in the first place, it is vital that you are using batteries that have been purchased from a reputable seller. Items purchased online or second-hand, which don’t meet UK safety standards, are particularly prone to going up in flames.
“Mismatching the charger also increases the risk of fire. It's also important not to overcharge and to unplug the charger once it's completed charging. Never charge an e-bike or e-scooter unattended or whilst you're sleeping.
"If you're converting your bike from a pushbike into an e-bike, make sure you get a professional or competent person to carry out the conversion."
The Brigade received the first of six calls at 2014 and Control Officers mobilised crews from Islington, Euston and Kentish Town fire stations to the scene. The fire was extinguished by 2126.