- Lithium-ion batteries are light and powerful, but can be temperamental
- Experts say these batteries are responsible for a boom in claims for major home fires
- We explain how to protect yourself and your home from lithium-ion fires
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Fire-related home insurance claims have now risen to an average of £24,000, with the rise of lithium-ion batteries to blame.
These batteries are used for devices such as mobile phones, laptops, e-bikes, e-scooters, vaping devices and electric toothbrushes, but can initially cause serious fires if damaged or substandard.
The London Fire Brigade has described battery fires in e-bikes and e-scooters as ‘the fastest growing fire trend in the capital’.
The data shows that the number of e-bike fires increased by 78 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, with 155 e-bike fires and 28 e-scooter fires.
Power Issues: Lithium-ion batteries are light and powerful, but can be volatile
In 2019, only eight fires caused by e-bikes and e-scooters were recorded, rising to 59 in 2021 and 116 in 2022.
Insurer Prestige Underwriting said that in 2007 the typical fire claim cost £6,583, but this has risen to more than £24,000 as the severity of these fires has increased.
This is despite the fact that the total number of home fires in Britain fell by 63 percent over the same period, from 53,000 in 2007 to 18,800 in 2022.
Alison Williams, managing director of Prestige Underwriting, said: ‘We urge manufacturers to work with insurers to help consumers, and that we work together to implement preventative measures and ensure the safety of these commonly used devices.’
How to prevent lithium-ion battery fires
1. Do not block your exit or escape route by charging batteries or e-bikes and e-scooters. Store them somewhere away from a main access point and, if possible, keep them in a secure location such as a garage or shed.
2. Make sure your battery and charger meet appropriate UK safety standards. Be wary of cheap alternatives. Make sure you buy your appliances and equipment from a trusted retailer who meets UK safety standards.
3. Look for signs that the battery or charger is not working properly. If the battery feels hot or has changed shape, it is time to replace it.
4. Always use the correct charger and purchase an official one from a reputable seller. Allow the battery to cool before charging and disconnect the charger once it has finished charging. Do not overcharge your battery.
5. Always follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions and do not leave the device unattended or charge it while people are sleeping. Do not use extension cords or charging strips to charge these batteries. Do not cover chargers or batteries while charging. Make sure smoke detectors are mounted where you power your e-bike, e-scooter, hoverboard or other powerful devices.
A spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers said: ‘Lithium battery fires can be extremely dangerous and difficult to extinguish. Insurers, fire brigades and industry stakeholders want our safety regulations to be modernized to reduce the fire risks they pose.
‘Property owners should ensure that the correct smoke detectors and fire safety equipment are installed. Batteries should only be charged with accessories specifically designed for the make and model of the device; they should not be charged in areas where an exit may be obstructed and should not be charged overnight.
‘People should beware of excessive heat, odors, bulges or leaks, which could indicate a battery failure. Do not charge batteries or place your e-bike near flammable or combustible materials, and store and charge e-bikes and battery packs outside your home if possible.’