Warning after homemade e-bike battery sparks fire

The fire destroyed two sheds

Firefighters believe a blaze that destroyed two outbuildings started when a damaged cell pack for a homemade e-bike "burst into flames".

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service issued a warning about the dangers of homemade e-bikes and battery packs following Monday's fire in Peterborough.

"There were no injuries, but due to the severity of lithium battery fires the contents of the shed and a shed in a neighbouring property were destroyed," a spokesperson said.

The service previously told the BBC it had already responded to more battery-related fires in homes across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough this year than in 2024.

'Cheap alternative'

Crews from Stanground and Dogsthorpe were called to Cosgrove Close in Ravensthorpe at about 18:31 BST.

Firefighters used hose reels to fight the blaze, deemed accidental.

They believed a cell pack damaged when it fell to the floor had ignited.

The resident realised what was happening and called 999.

"We would like to remind people of the risks of homemade e-bikes and construction of battery packs at home," said the spokesperson.

"Whilst seen as a cheap alternative, most of the time these do not contain the safety systems that are in batteries purchased from a reputable seller."

The spokesperson said if a battery had been dropped or damaged it should be put somewhere safe, preferably outside, and replaced.

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