Fire warning issued over e-bike batteries as Uber Eats joins safety crackdown

Uber Eats has teamed up with the London Fire Brigade to give delivery riders battery safety training through the app they use every day.

The partnership forms part of the Brigade's Charge Safe campaign, which aims to tackle the rising number of fires linked to e-bike and e-scooter batteries.

New training modules will be rolled out this year, providing couriers with guidance on safely charging and using lithium batteries. The guidance has been created using information from London Fire Brigade experts.

Riders will be told to always use the correct charger for their battery and avoid charging bikes overnight or while out of the house. The lessons will also explain how to spot warning signs such as overheating, swelling or smoke coming from a battery.

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London Fire Brigade launched its safety campaign in 2023 after a sharp rise in fires caused by electric bikes and scooters. Last year saw the highest number of incidents since records began, raising concerns over unsafe batteries and chargers being sold online.

Fire chiefs explained that many riders unknowingly buy dangerous products because they seem cheap and convenient.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field said firefighters had witnessed the devastating impact unsafe batteries can have on homes and families.

"Our firefighters have seen first-hand the devastating consequences when owners buy unsafe products online," he said.

He warned that products sold at very low prices could pose serious fire risks. Mr Field added that delivery riders who rely on electric bikes for work "deserve to be safe" and should not have to worry that charging their vehicle at home could put loved ones in danger.

Uber Eats said the partnership is designed to improve safety for both couriers and the wider public as more riders switch to electric transport.

Merve Basci, General Manager of Uber Eats UK, said: "Partnering with London Fire Brigade on the Charge Safe campaign is a vital pillar of our work to support both our couriers and the communities we serve."

She added: "While we encourage the transition to electric travel, it is essential that anyone using e-bikes does so in line with the highest safety standards."

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The London Fire Brigade has also issued fresh guidance for households charging electric bikes and scooters.

People are advised to keep batteries away from flammable items and unplug chargers once the battery is fully charged. Batteries should never be left charging while people are asleep or away from home.

The Brigade warned that anyone who notices a battery becoming hot, swollen or giving off smoke or a burning smell should stop using it immediately. Officials also recommend charging batteries in well-ventilated areas where smoke alarms are fitted nearby.

If a battery fire breaks out, people are being told not to try to put it out themselves. Instead, they should leave the building quickly, close doors behind them if possible, and call 999.

Alongside the new training programme, Uber Eats said it is continuing to improve safety checks for riders using electric bikes.

The company works with firms including Zoomo, Zenion and Ride Today to help couriers get access to legal and reliable e-bikes.

Uber Eats also uses monitoring systems to detect riders who may be using bikes that break legal speed limits. If suspicious activity is flagged, a courier's account can be suspended until they provide proof that their bike and insurance meet the rules.

The app has also introduced measures to reduce distractions while riding, including blocking notifications during active deliveries.

The company said the combined safety measures are aimed at protecting riders, customers and the public as the use of electric bikes continues to grow across Britain.

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