Salix Homes reminds customers about dangers of e-bikes and scooters

Salix Homes is reminding customers about the dangers of e-bikes and scooters following a surge in e-bike related fires across the region.

The warning comes after Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) launched its ‘Charge Safe’ campaign to highlight the importance of safe buying, charging and storage of e-bikes, e-scooters, mobility scooters and their batteries.

We’re urging our customers across Salford to be aware of the potential dangers posed by the lithium-ion batteries, which power e-bikes and scooters, and can pose a serious fire risk.

Latest figures from the fire service show a rise in incidents across Greater Manchester. From October 2020 to September 2025, GMFRS attended 120 incidents involving e-bikes, e-scooters and mobility scooters. There were 34 incidents between October 2024 and September 2025 – the highest number over the five-year period.

Salix Homes knows first-hand the devastation e-bike fires can cause, following a fire at one of our tower blocks – Mulberry Court in Pendleton, which happened in December 2022, and was caused by an e-bike battery that had been charging in the bedroom.

Thankfully no-one was hurt, and the fire was contained to the flat where it started, but it caused significant damage to the property.

Liam Turner, Chief Executive at Salix Homes, and Chair of the Greater Manchester Housing Providers Building Safety Group, said: “The increase in e-bike and e-scooter related fires across Greater Manchester is a serious concern, and it’s why we’re reminding our customers about the importance of using these devices safely.

“At Salix Homes, we have seen the impact these fires can have with the incident at Mulberry Court. Luckily, no one was hurt, but the fire caused extensive damage and could have had far more serious consequences.

“We fully support Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s ‘Charge Safe’ campaign and are reminding our customers of the importance of buying from reputable sellers and charging and storing batteries safely. Taking a few simple precautions can help prevent fires, protect homes, and most importantly, keep people safe.”

The majority of problems arise in non-standard or faulty batteries, which aren’t being charged safely. They’re a major fire risk when over-charged, short circuited or damaged, and when they do catch fire, they burn ferociously, reigniting as they go.

Most e-bikes and scooters on the market in the UK bought from reputable manufacturers meet the stringent safety regulations, but many of the safety issues are arising from converter kits, which are lithium-ion battery packs designed to convert a standard bike to an e-bike.

There are growing concerns about these converter kits sold online, which do not meet UK safety regulations and present an increased fire risk.

As part of our safety campaign, we’re urging all customers with e-bikes, e-scooters and mobility scooters to follow this safety advice:

• Never charge your electric bikes or scooters while you’re sleeping or not at home.
• Unplug your charger once it’s finished charging.
• Only charge batteries in a room that has fire or heat detectors fitted.
• Never charge or store e-bikes or e-scooters in hallways, corridors or near exits, and never block your escape route with your e-bike or scooter.
• Never tamper with the battery and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not use or charge batteries that appear damaged, swollen, leaking or excessively hot.
• Store batteries away from flammable materials and never on beds or sofas.
• Ensure your battery and charger meets UK safety standards and always use the correct charger.
• Never cover your charger as this could lead to it overheating or setting on fire.
• Be wary of DIY kits bought on-line to convert a standard bike into an e-bike.
• If a battery overheats, smokes or catches fire, leave the property immediately and call 999.
• Test your smoke alarms regularly, at least monthly. 

Find out more about the risks associated with e-bikes and other fire safety advice.

You can also find out more about the fire service’s ‘Charge Safe’ campaign here.