Firefighters are issuing a reminder about using e-bikes and e-scooters safely following a fire at a block of flats on Hilldrop Road in Islington.
Most of a third-floor flat in a four-storey block was damaged by fire. Two adults were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service to be treated for smoke inhalation.
The fire is believed to have been caused by the failure of lithium-ion batteries for an e-scooter that was on charge at the time of the fire.
In 2025, London saw record numbers of e-bike and e-scooter fires, with more than 200 fires attended by firefighters across the capital.
The Brigade's investigations shows that lithium-ion battery failure, conversion kits and chargers are often the cause of these fires – and that items purchased online, which don’t meet UK safety standards, whether bought new or second-hand, are particularly prone to going up in flames. The lithium-ion batteries that power e-bikes and e-scooters can fail for a number of reasons, including if they have been built poorly, are counterfeit, become damaged, are overcharged or used with an incorrect charger.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "We encourage anyone who owns an e-bike or e-scooter, or is thinking about purchasing one, to take a look at all of our #ChargeSafe advice on our website to help keep themselves and those around them safer from these types of fires.
"It is vital that you do not store or charge the device on an escape route such as a hallway. Firefighters have attended incidents where people have had to jump from windows or be rescued because their escape route has been blocked by fire or smoke. If it is not possible to keep the device outside or in a shed or garage, make sure it is in a room where you can shut the door and contain a fire.
"When charging your e-bike or e-scooter, make sure you are using the correct charger. Mismatching the charger 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 12 calls at 1409 and Control Officers mobilised four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Kentish Town, Holloway and Islington fire stations to the scene. The fire was extinguished by 1509.