About This Project
This two-year initiative improves e-bike battery fire safety across Newham through multilingual workshops, rider outreach, and collaboration with the London Fire Brigade. The report summarises what we delivered, what we learned, and practical recommendations for safer charging and storage.
Key Statistics
211 fires in 2024
Fire services attended 211 e-bike and e-scooter fires — 175 of them in London.
56 fires in East London
East London recorded 56 e-bike fires in 2023, many of them occurring within Newham.
45% from DIY kits
Almost half of all e-bike fires were caused by unsafe conversions, DIY kits, or modified batteries.
430+ riders trained
More than 430 riders took part in workshops, outreach sessions, and safety briefings.
Our Work in the Community
What We Did
The project delivered a wide range of community activities to improve e-bike battery safety across Newham:
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Multilingual safety workshops for delivery riders
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Outreach at rider hotspots across East London
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Safety demonstrations with the London Fire Brigade
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Distribution of over 5,000 educational leaflets
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Training of more than 20 community safety ambassadors
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One-to-one rider engagement on safe charging and battery care
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Translated safety materials and guidance
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Partnerships with universities, landlords, and local businesses
All activities were designed to reduce fire risks, raise awareness, and support safer e-bike use across the borough.
Why We Took Action.
Our Motivation
In Newham, we’ve seen firsthand how intersecting risks, crowded private rented homes, unsafe battery kits sold online, limited safe-charging options, and the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis all translate into real harm for courier riders.
When fires occurred, we stepped in to help riders access emergency accommodation, provided food and essential items, assisted with replacing lost documents, and liaised with landlords, universities, and local services to restore safety and stability.
We stayed in touch afterwards, offering trauma-informed care and mental wellbeing support, ensuring people could continue studying and working while rebuilding their lives.
This direct experience is why we led this project. The risk was not abstract — it was already within our community.
The case study below reflects the conditions we encountered and how they shaped the model we built.
Our Real Story From the Community
Case Study: Fire, Displacement, and Recovery
A Life-Changing Fire
A courier rider in Newham lost everything when an e-bike battery fire destroyed his privately rented room. His belongings, clothing, phone, and work equipment were all burnt, and he was suddenly left without a home, income, or essentials.
Immediate Emergency Support
We helped him secure emergency accommodation the same day, provided food, clothing, a phone, and essential items so he could stay in contact with family and services. We supported him in replacing lost documents, liaised with his university and landlord, and ensured his living environment was made safe before returning.
Trauma-Informed Care & Wellbeing
In the weeks after the fire, we remained in contact, offering trauma-informed emotional support and wellbeing check-ins. This helped him continue studying and working while dealing with the aftermath of the incident.
Rebuilding Stability
Through consistent follow-up, practical assistance, and coordination with local services, we supported him until he regained stability and returned to normal routine.
This experience shaped the design of the E-Bike Fire Safety Project and informed the model we built for supporting riders across Newham.
What We Learned
Through the E-Bike Fire Safety Project, we gathered vital insights from delivery riders, community partners, and local services. The findings below highlight the key challenges and lessons that shaped our model.
Key Findings
Unsafe Charging Setups
Many riders charged batteries in crowded rooms without ventilation or proper equipment due to limited safe spaces.
Financial Pressure Drives Risk
The cost of replacing batteries or using paid charging hubs pushes riders toward unsafe DIY options.
Language and Access Barriers
Many riders faced difficulties understanding official safety guidance, especially non-English speakers.
Knowledge Gaps About Safety
Riders were unsure about correct storage, signs of battery damage, and safe disposal.
Community Engagement Works
Peer ambassadors and multilingual outreach sessions proved the most effective way to reach riders
What Needs to Happen Next
Recommendations for a Safer Future
Based on our work with delivery riders across Newham, partners, and emergency services, we identified several essential steps to reduce fire risk, improve awareness, and make e-bike use safer for everyone.
Increase Access to Safe Charging Spaces
Riders need affordable, ventilated, and supervised charging hubs. Local authorities, universities, and landlords should expand safe charging facilities to prevent indoor fire risks.
Expand Multilingual Safety Education
Safety guidance should be delivered in multiple languages through trusted community channels, ambassador programmes, and on-site workshops at rider hotspots.
Improve Regulation of E-Bike and Battery Sales
Strengthen action against unsafe online battery sales, improve labelling, and support riders in identifying certified, safe equipment.
Strengthen Community Partnerships
Community organisations, emergency services, and local businesses should collaborate long-term to deliver safer infrastructure, wellbeing support, and rapid response when fires occur.
These recommendations can help prevent future e-bike fires and support a safer, more informed community.
The Difference We Made
Impact & Outcomes
Our work supported hundreds of riders, students, and community members. These outcomes reflect the practical change this project delivered across Newham.
12+
Riders Supported After Fires
Emergency accommodation, essentials, and document support after battery fires.
432
Participants Engaged
Riders, students, and community members took part in sessions and outreach.
98
University Outreach
Delivered On Campus
Safety awareness sessions provided in partnership with local universities.
250+
Riders Reached Through Workshops
Multilingual and peer-led safety sessions across East London.
7
Languages
Used to Deliver Safety Guidance
Ensuring riders understood safe charging and fire prevention.
Unsafe Homes Identified
Issues Escalated
Dangerous charging setups reported to landlords, universities, and local authorities.
Why This Work Matters
Building a Safer Future Together
The rise of e-bike use has transformed how communities move, work, and earn — but it has also introduced new risks that riders shouldn’t have to face alone. Through this project, we’ve seen how the right support, delivered in the right language and through trusted community partners, can prevent fires, protect lives, and rebuild stability after crisis.
Our work shows that safety is not just about equipment — it’s about housing, income pressure, wellbeing, knowledge, and the systems that surround riders. By listening directly to people affected and working alongside universities, landlords, emergency services, and local organisations, we helped create practical solutions grounded in real experience.
This project is just the beginning. With stronger public awareness, safer charging spaces, better regulation of batteries, and continued community-led engagement, we can make sure every rider has the information, equipment, and support they need to stay safe.
This action research was led by Rozina Iqbal, Director of Operations at the Newham Community Project, working in partnership with Helen Masterson, Head of Private Sector Housing Standards at the London Borough of Newham, and with technical support from the London Fire Brigade.