Fire Brigade Reissues E-bike Warning after Queen's Drive Blaze
Failed lithium-ion battery blamed for damage to ground floor of house
There were several e-bikes at the premises when the fire started. Picture: London Fire Brigade
February 17, 2026
Firefighters are urging residents to follow safety guidance when charging e-bikes and e-scooters after a house fire broke out on Queen’s Drive in West Acton early this Tuesday morning (17 February).
Crews were called at 4.19am to reports of a blaze at a two-storey house. Part of the ground floor was damaged by fire, but there were no reports of injuries. Around 25 firefighters from Ealing, Acton, Park Royal and Chiswick fire stations attended, and the fire was brought under control by 5.34am.
London Fire Brigade investigators believe the blaze was caused by the failure of a lithium-ion battery for an e-bike, which was being charged at the time.
A Brigade spokesperson said, “Several bikes, batteries and chargers were present at the property, which increases the risk of the wrong or an incompatible charger being used. 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 incident comes amid a sharp rise in e-bike and e-scooter fires across London. In 2025, firefighters attended more than 200 such incidents — the highest number on record.
The Brigade says lithium-ion batteries can fail for several reasons, including:
- Poor or unsafe manufacturing
- Counterfeit or second-hand batteries
- Damage from knocks or falls
- Overcharging
- Use with an incorrect or incompatible charger
Conversion kits and items bought online that do not meet UK safety standards are frequently linked to the most severe fires.
The spokesperson added, “We encourage anyone who owns an e-bike or e-scooter, or is thinking about purchasing one, to take a look at our #ChargeSafe website for advice on how to store and charge e-bikes and e-scooters, to help keep yourself and those around you safer from these types of fires.”
The Brigade continues to call for greater awareness of the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, particularly in homes where multiple bikes and chargers are stored.
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