E-Bike Battery Fires: Are They Covered and How Can You Prevent Them?

If you’re an e-bike owner or renter, there’s one hot topic you can’t ignore—battery fires. Luckily, Lemonade’s home insurance policies will cover fire, smoke, or explosion damage caused by an e-bike battery—whether you’re a contents-only customer or also have a buildings policy. 

We’re here to break down what you need to know about e-bike fires and how your home insurance has you covered.

How does home insurance cover e-bike fires?

Home insurance is your first line of protection when it comes to any accidental fires, including those caused by e-bike batteries. Here’s how typical coverages could apply:

Coverage	How it works
Contents insurance	Covers your belongings, including furniture, clothing, and personal items, if they’re damaged by fire, smoke, or explosion
Buildings insurance	Protects the structure of your home, including walls, ceilings, and fixtures, from fire damage
Temporary accommodation	If the fire makes your home uninhabitable, your insurance could cover the cost of temporary housing while repairs take place
Liability coverage	If the fire spreads to your neighbour’s house or causes damage to shared communal areas, we’ve got you covered

When are e-bike fires not covered by home insurance? 

Like all insurance, there are some exclusions when it comes to e-bike fires. We don’t cover damage caused by scorching or heat distortion (unless there’s actual fire, smoke, or an explosion). We will also not provide coverage if the fire is due to: 

• Negligence
• Poor maintenance
• Deliberate acts

That said, proving negligence can be tricky—so in most cases, we’ll send an expert to assess the damage and determine what’s covered. It’s also important to note that we may not cover a claim if your bike has been modified in a way that does not comply with UK laws, such as modifying your electric bike to go faster than 15.5mph.

What causes e-bike batteries to catch fire? 

Most fires happen because of lithium-ion batteries, which are very efficient, but can be sensitive to damage or overheating. Common causes include:

• Modified or DIY e-bikes: When someone modifies their e-bike with parts bought online,  the parts may not be safety tested or compatible with the system, leading to overloaded batteries or chargers. When this happens the electrical system can overheat, causing a fire 
• Incompatible or counterfeit chargers: Non-official or poorly made chargers can overcharge the battery or cause it to short circuit
• Overcharging: Leaving a battery plugged in for too long, especially overnight, can increase fire risk
• Unattended charging: Fires often start while people are sleeping or away from home
• Battery damage: If a battery is dropped, overheated, or exposed to water, it can become unstable

An investigation by Electrical Safety First found that many chargers sold on online marketplaces were risky. A number of them didn’t have a fuse, so they couldn’t shut off if something went wrong—creating a serious fire hazard. 

What kind of damage can e-bike battery fires cause? 

These fires are severe due to their intensity and speed. Once ignited, the lithium-ion chemical reaction makes the fire hard to extinguish. Here’s the potential damage to consider:

• Heat damage: Lithium-ion battery fires burn at high temperatures and can quickly spread to nearby furniture, walls, and household items
• Smoke damage: Toxic fumes released by these fires can damage property and pose health risks to those nearby
• Structural damage: If not contained quickly, fires can spread to other rooms or even affect the structural integrity of your home
• Escape hazards: E-bike fires often occur in hallways or narrow spaces where bikes are stored, potentially blocking escape routes during emergencies 

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has raised concerns about the rising number of e-bike and e-scooter fires, highlighting them as the fastest-growing fire risks in London. In 2023, they attended 143 e-bike fires, and 36 fires caused by e-scooters. 

How can I prevent my e-bike battery from catching fire? 

These fires may sound alarming, but they’re preventable with the right precautions. 

Use certified chargers and parts

Always buy chargers and replacement batteries from reputable sellers. Avoid cheap, non-certified alternatives, which may lack safety features.

Store and charge safely

Charge your battery on flat, non-flammable surfaces, away from heat sources and flammable materials. Never charge them in communal areas or escape routes. 

Don’t overcharge

Follow instructions for charging time and disconnect the charger once a full charge is achieved. Never leave a charging e-bike unattended, or charge while you’re sleeping. 

Inspect your battery regularly

Check for any visible damage like bulging or leaks. You’ll also want to watch for signs your battery is failing, for example, being extremely hot to touch, making a hissing or cracking sound, or any unusual smells. 

Damaged batteries should be disposed of safely and replaced immediately.

Switch off when not in use

Turn off your e-bike and its battery when not in use to prevent overheating or accidental discharging.

Avoid DIY conversion kits

DIY electric bike conversion kits may seem like a fun way to save money, but they can significantly increase fire risks, especially if not professionally installed. 

Follow manufacturer guidelines

Read and follow all the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. 

Educate yourself on fire safety

Equip your home with working smoke alarms, a fire extinguisher suitable for electrical fires, and ensure family members know how to respond in case of a fire.

Your e-bike safety is in your hands 

E-bike battery fires are a growing concern—but with a bit of caution and the right insurance, you can reduce the risks and stay protected. At Lemonade, we’re here to help if the worst happens, covering damage from fire, smoke, and explosions—plus temporary accommodation and liability, if needed.

Get your Lemonade policy set up in minutes. It’s fast, easy, and 100% digital.