How we are tackling e-bike crime in Bexley

Over the last few months, we have been talking to Londoners at our community crime fighting events, to better understand exactly what issues you care about most, including here in Bexley. 

Across London, including in Bexley, we heard of widespread concerns about dangerous riding, anti-social behaviour and thefts linked to e-bikes and e-scooters.  

So, we are stepping up our action. 

In the past year, we have taken over 2,500 illegal and unsafe e-bikes and e-vehicles off London’s streets. Through precision-led policing driven by intelligence, data and technology, we are seizing thousands of dangerous rides where they’re being used unlawfully or anti-socially.  

We are working with partners to develop evidence-based, targeted interventions and operations that will lead to effective, long-term change. 

Acting on concerns that matter most to Londoners is at the heart of our community crime-fighting – and so we need your input. 

Help us keep our streets safe and click the link below to fill in a short survey: 

https://survey.metengage.co.uk/Survey/GUID/c2c1fffd-0a6e-491e-b542-bd1782e2b772

NOTE: Please use the URL copied above only.

We would appreciate hearing from you to help us better understand both the concerns and benefits of e-bikes and e-scooters use in your area. This will help us understand what you would like us to prioritise and give us insight to take to partners and drive action.  

MPS actions so far in BEXLEY: 

In the meantime, we want to take this opportunity to tell you what we are already doing to clamp down on the illegal and anti-social behaviour concerns you raised about e-bikes / e-scooters.  
Across 2025 we seized more than 2,500 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters across London and will continue to take steps to keep you safe. 
We are stopping riders suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drunk riding is illegal, unsafe, and contributes to a growing proportion of near-misses and collisions, particularly on increasingly used high-powered e- bikes. 
This has included operations in Proactive operations to deal with E Bikes on Bexleyheath Broadway. 
Proactive Operations to deal with fast food E bikes in Welling High Street and Sidcup 
Retail Visits with Bike shops to discuss good sale agreements. 
Proactive Operations to target ASB with E bikes in Crayford

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/395843/How-we-are-tackling-e-bike-crime-in-Bexley

LFB are facing a record number of e-bike fires for 2025, according to our latest data

 

As of 28 September, 165 e-bike and e-scooter fires have been recorded in London in 2025, including 134 e-bike fires, an average of around 18 e-bike or e-scooter fires a month.

 

If this trend continues for the rest of the year, London will surpass 200 incidents in a single year for the first time.

 

Tragically, one of these fires claimed the life of a 30-year-old woman after a fire broke out at a bedsit in Wood Green on 21 June.

 

Eden Abera Siem was discovered unconscious inside the property and rescued by firefighters, but she sadly died in hospital later that day.

Following an investigation by our Fire Investigation Team, the probable cause was the failure of a charging lithium-ion battery pack for an e-bike.

 

This was the fourth fatal fire involving an e-bike recorded in London and the first since 2023. In all four cases, the person who died did not own or use the e-bike involved in the fire.

 

We have also seen several other serious incidents across the capital resulting in life-threatening injury, serious burns, serious injury from jumping from a window and numerous rescues by firefighters.

 

Assistant Commissioner for Prevention & Protection, Pamela Oparaocha, said: “We continue to see the devastating consequences of e-bike and e-scooter fires in London. Our thoughts are with the family of Eden as well as all those who have been impacted by fires in recent years.

 

“Fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters are worryingly common in London. Since the beginning of 2023, we have attended a fire, on average, every other day, and some of these fires have destroyed homes and claimed lives.

 

“We launched our #ChargeSafe campaign in 2023 to highlight the fire risks with e-bikes and e-scooters; however the rising number of incidents we attend clearly demonstrate the urgent need for further awareness to help protect lives and avoid future tragedies.”

 

For vital information on how to safely store, charge and use your e-bike or e-scooter, please check out the #ChargeSafe area of our website.

 

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/17Qw6J463C/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

#ChargeSafe: The warning signs e-bikes & e-scooters could start a fire

Before a failing lithium battery catches fire, there are often a few warning signs. If you see any of these signs. You will need to take immediate action to stay safe and reduce the risk of fire.

The warning signs your e-bike or e-bike battery is a fire hazard

Heat: It’s normal for batteries to generate some heat when charging or in use. However if your device’s battery feels extremely hot to the touch, there’s chance it’s defective and may start a fire

Bulging: A battery bulging or swelling out of shape is a common sign of it failing. If your battery looks swollen, you should stop using it immediately. Similar signs include any type of lump or leaking from the device

Noise: Failing lithium batteries have also been reported to make hissing or cracking sounds

Smell: If you notice a strong or unusual smell coming from the battery, this could also be a sign of it failing 

Performance: A failure to fully charge or longer charge times can be a sign that your battery is failing

Smoke: If your battery or device is smoking, a fire has already started

What you should do if your lithium battery is a fire risk

If your battery shows any of these signs of failing, immediately turn off the device and unplug it from the power source.  Call the device manufacturer or retailer for further instructions.  

If you’ve spotted the warning signs, make sure you  report your faulty battery to your local Trading Standards office.

What to do if your lithium battery catches fire

If the device starts smoking or catches fire:

• ⚡get out
• ⚡raise the alarm and call 999 immediately
• ⚡stay out and do not try to tackle the fire yourself

Disposing of a lithium battery

Lithium batteries should not be placed in the same bins as your regular rubbish or recycling. If they get damaged or overheat, they may cause it to catch fire. Instead check your local authority's website or recycle your electricals for the safe way to dispose of lithium batteries in your area.

Source: LFB and on X

#ChargeSafe - https://tinyurl.com/2cf6q92u

[Click image to view enlarged]

Know your rights:

All retailers selling electrical goods are obliged to take back items for recycling.

London Fire Brigade urges safe storage and charging of e-bikes and e-scooters 🔥

 57th e-bike or e-scooter fire in London in 2023

• A fire broke out at a hotel in Islington, London, due to a lithium battery failure on an e-scooter.
• One man was evacuated and taken to hospital.
• This is the 57th e-bike or e-scooter fire in London in 2023.
• The London Fire Brigade is urging people to store and charge e-bikes and e-scooters safely.
• They recommend storing them in a shed or garage, and if they have to be stored inside, to make sure there is smoke detection fitted and your means of escape is not obstructed.
• They also recommend following the manufacturer's instructions when charging, and to not leave the battery unattended while it is charging.

Here are some additional safety tips from the London Fire Brigade:

• Never block your escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters.
• Do not attempt to modify or tamper with your battery.
• Check your battery and charger meets UK safety standards.
• Watch out for signs that the battery or charger aren't working as they should.
• Always use the correct charger and buy an official one from a reputable seller.
• Let the battery cool before charging.
• Unplug your charger once it's finished charging.
• Fit alarms where you charge.

By following these safety tips, you can help to prevent fires caused by e-bikes and e-scooters.

Source: LFB (07/05/2023)

e-bike safety warning after a flat fire on Arthur Street in Erith

Firefighters are issuing another warning e-bike safety warning after a flat fire on Arthur Street in Erith. 

Half of a flat on the third floor of a seven-storey block of flats was damaged by fire. A woman and three children left the flat before firefighters arrived. They were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews suffering from smoke inhalation. 

The fire is believed to have been caused by a fault in an e-bike lithium battery. 

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “It’s incredibly concerning we are continuing to see a rise in incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters. 

“When these batteries and chargers fail, they do so with ferocity and because the fires develop so rapidly the situation can quickly become incredibly serious. 

“Lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to failure if incorrect chargers are used and there is a significant risk posed by e-scooters which have been converted. 

"We are predominantly seeing fires in ones which have been purchased from online marketplaces and batteries which have been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards. 

“Our advice is to try and store and charge these items in a safe location if possible, such as in a shed or garage, and if they have to be stored inside, make sure there is smoke detection fitted and your means of escape is not obstructed. 

“However we know this won’t be possible for everyone, so if you are charging them indoors, please follow our advice on safe charging and ensure everyone in your home knows what to do in the event of a fire. 

“We would also suggest people try not to charge them when they are asleep, so that if there is an issue they can react quickly.” 

The Brigade was called at 2251 and the fire was under control by 0002. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Erith, Bexley, and Plumstead fire stations attended the scene.

Source: LFB (27/01/2023) and reported in New Shopper (with graphic image) [GDPR]

Beware fires involving e-scooters and e-bikes

London Fire Brigade attended over 70 fires involving e-scooters and e-bikes in 2021. *In 2021 Transport for London (TfL) banned e-scooters from London's transport network. This is due to a number of fires on the network involving these vehicles. 

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Charging your e-bike or e-scooter

The majority of fires related to e-bikes and e-scooter have happened in homes. These fires are often caused when charging batteries.

Please pay special attention to bike conversion kits. Do not attempt to modify or tamper with the battery. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  

Reduce the risk of overheating

• 🟥 Batteries can get warm during their use. Allow them to cool down before attempting to re-charge.
• 🟥 Batteries should always be charged on hard flat surfaces where heat can dissipate.
• 🟥 Batteries can also pose a risk if they have been damaged, so try to ensure they are not getting knocked around while in use or while being carried.
• 🟥 Batteries should also never be exposed to extremes of temperature.

Follow the instructions

• 🟥 Always follow manufacturers’ instructions when charging 
• 🟥 Never leave it charging unattended or charge it while you are asleep.
• 🟥 You should always make sure you unplug your charger once it’s finished charging.
• 🟥 Always use the correct charger for your batteries and buy any replacements from a reputable seller.

Where to charge your batteries

• 🟥 Never block your escape route with e-bikes or e-scooters
• 🟥 Store and charge them somewhere away from a main through route or exit
• 🟥 Make sure you and your family have an escape plan in place in the event of a fire. Always call 999, never try to fight the fire yourself

Using your e-bikes or e-scooter

*In 2021 Transport for London (TfL) banned e-scooters from London's transport network. This is due to a number of fires on the network involving these vehicles. This means you’re unable to take your electric personal vehicles on any TfL service. You can read TfL’s full guidance on e-scooters on their site.

Not all personal electric vehicles, such as e-scooters and e-unicycles are road legal in the UK. This means you can be fined by the police for using them on the road in the UK. Always check to see if you can use your vehicle on public roads.

Source: LFB

Offer to trial an e-cargo bike for up to 6 months

 

Bexley Council is offering the opportunity to trial an e-cargo bike for up to 6 months. The use of e-cargo bikes could help your business save money, time and improve its image whilst making Bexley’s streets quieter, greener, safer and less polluted.

Whether your business has more than one shop and you need to move things between them, or you make local deliveries, get in touch and trial an e-cargo bike.

To find out more contact Katie.Johns@sustrans.org.uk

Source: LBB

Electric bikes: licensing, tax and insurance

You can ride an electric bike if you’re 14 or over, as long as it meets certain requirements.

These electric bikes are known as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs). You do not need a licence to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured.

What counts as an EAPC

An EAPC must have pedals that can be used to propel it.

It must show either:

• the power output
• the manufacturer of the motor

It must also show either:

• the battery’s voltage
• the maximum speed of the bike

Its electric motor:

• must have a maximum power output of 250 watts
• should not be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph

An EAPC can have more than 2 wheels (for example, a tricycle).

Where you can ride

If a bike meets the EAPC requirements it’s classed as a normal pedal bike. This means you can ride it on cycle paths and anywhere else pedal bikes are allowed.

Other kinds of electric bike

Any electric bike that does not meet the EAPC rules is classed as a motorcycle or moped and needs to be registered and taxed. You’ll need a driving licence to ride one and you must wear a crash helmet.

Getting vehicle approval for your electric bike

An electric bike must be type approved if either:

• it can be propelled without pedalling (a ‘twist and go’ EAPC)
• it does not meet the EAPC rules

This should have been done by the manufacturer or importer before you bought it. If it’s been type approved, it will have a plate showing its type approval number.

Source: GOV.UK - electric bike rules

E-bikes vs e-scooters: These two types of vehicles are not the same, and in debates about regulation the Bicycle Association believes it is important that they be considered separately. In terms of their product safety, stability, and heath benefit for the user, they are very significantly different.

Another previous post on e-scooters here.