Piccadilly Circus billboards warn of e-bike fires

London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith was joined by colleagues in Central London

The billboards in Piccadilly Circus have been emblazoned with warnings about the dangers of some e-bikes and e-scooters, following a record number of fires in the capital associated with them, including some in which people died.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has said the number is likely to exceed 200 by the end of the year.

The cause has often been found to have involved incompatible lithium-ion batteries or faulty conversion kits overheating.

The LFB is urging Christmas shoppers to avoid buying the vehicles from online marketplaces as they may not meet safety standards, and to buy from a high street retailer instead.

This e-scooter caused a major fire and destroyed a family home in London

This year two people have died in fires caused by an e-bike – taking the total up to five since 2023.

On average, firefighters have responded to 18 fires a month throughout 2025 where an e-bike or e-scooter battery was the cause, LFB said.

During an awareness event, LFB tried to grab the attention of Black Friday shoppers by broadcasting a video on the digital advertising screens at Piccadilly Circus urging people tempted by an online e-bike deal to "think twice".

London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith said: "As we have seen, these fires have devastating consequences – they are fast, explosive, toxic and can be fatal."

He said buying from an online marketplace could significantly increase the risk of fire due to the lack of regulation.

"Without knowing it, you could be purchasing a faulty, damaged or incompatible product and putting yourself, and everyone around you at risk."

Jo Frost's Bromley house was gutted by a fire caused by an e-bike conversion kit

Warning signs an e-bike or e-bike battery could be 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 an excessively 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 and you should get out, raise the alarm and call 999

Source: The LFB

Conversion kits allow a normal pedal bike to be altered to an e-bike, but if they are not installed correctly they pose a significant fire risk.

The kits rarely come with a battery or charger, so shoppers often buy these items separately, leaving them at risk of purchasing incompatible or unregulated products.

Jo Frost lost her home of 23 years after a fire involving an e-bike that had been fitted with a conversion kit bought second-hand online.

Her 14-year-old son, his friend, and the family dog narrowly escaped.

Jo Frost said: "The e-bike was charging in the front room when it burst into flames, my son and his friend were trapped on the first floor due to the fire spreading up the stairs.

"In minutes my family lost our home and everything inside...

"I wasn't aware of the dangers of buying a conversion kit online – or that it wasn't regulated. I hope that hearing my story will warn others of the potential dangers."