Lewisham: London Borough with Highest E-Scooter and E-Bike Fires
The London borough with the highest – Lewisham, the London borough with the highest number of e-scooter and e-bike fires, has emerged as a critical area for safety concerns following a recent report by the London Fire Brigade (LFB). In 2025, the borough recorded 20 incidents involving electric vehicles igniting within homes, according to data shared with Lewisham Council’s Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee. Station Commander Mike Watts from Forest Hill Fire Station highlighted the issue during a meeting on July 2, emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety measures as more residents turn to these devices for mobility.
Tragic Fatality Sparks Alarm
One of the most alarming incidents occurred in early July when a 12-year-old boy, Fabian Henry, tragically lost his life in a fire at his home in Orchard Gardens. The event, which happened shortly before midnight on July 8, 2025, marked the first fatality linked to e-scooter or e-bike fires in Lewisham. Station Commander Watts stressed that this case has intensified discussions about the risks of improper charging practices and the importance of fire safety in residential areas.
“Since late 2024, we’ve seen at least five high-profile incidents, including multiple serious injuries and a fatality in Lewisham,” Watts stated. The incident underscores the potential dangers of electric vehicle use in close quarters, particularly in high-rise buildings where fires can spread rapidly.
Charging Habits and Fire Risks
Watts explained that many residents in Lewisham charge their e-scooters and e-bikes in communal spaces due to cost savings, often leaving them unattended overnight. This practice, combined with the use of non-standard or adapted chargers, has contributed to the increased frequency of fires. “Residents are increasingly charging in hallways or shared areas, which can create fire hazards if the devices overheat,” he added. The lack of dedicated charging stations in social housing complexes has also amplified the risk.
He noted that the problem is not limited to any single neighborhood, but the data shows a higher concentration of incidents in high-rise properties and older buildings. “The close proximity of units in multi-story homes means a single fire can quickly escalate,” Watts explained. This insight has prompted calls for better infrastructure and stricter guidelines on where and how these devices are charged.
Initiating a Safety Awareness Campaign
As a response, the LFB is launching a two-month awareness campaign in partnership with Lewisham Council to educate residents on safe e-mobility practices. Starting July 20, the initiative will target communities through school programs, social media outreach, and public events at Lewisham, Deptford, and Catford markets. These efforts aim to address both individual behavior and systemic issues, such as the absence of proper charging facilities in social housing.
Residents will also be invited to attend “drop-in days” at local fire stations for hands-on guidance. “The campaign will focus on identifying fire risks and promoting safe storage and charging habits,” Watts said. He stressed that the goal is to empower the community to take proactive steps and reduce preventable incidents in the borough with the highest fire rates.
Public Education and Preventive Measures
Watts urged residents to prioritize using certified e-bikes and e-scooters, ensuring they are e-marked and paired with compatible chargers. “Overnight charging without supervision is a major risk, especially in areas where escape routes are limited,” he warned. The campaign will also highlight the importance of heat alarms in rooms where devices are charged, complementing existing smoke alarm systems.
Cllr Kim Powell, a council member, raised questions about potential hotspots during the meeting. Watts confirmed that while incidents are spread across Lewisham, the borough with the highest fire incidents remains concentrated in high-rise and older buildings. This data has led to proposals for new regulations, including mandatory charging stations in social housing and clearer guidelines for residents.
Broader Implications for E-Mobility Safety
The surge in e-scooter and e-bike fires has prompted the council to reevaluate its approach to managing electric mobility in the borough. While the LFB focuses on awareness, local authorities are now considering policy changes to mitigate risks. Watts acknowledged that the borough with the highest fire rates is a growing concern, but he remains optimistic about the campaign’s ability to foster safer habits.
Residents are being encouraged to adopt practices such as keeping devices away from flammable materials and using timers for overnight charging. “Simple steps can make a big difference in preventing disasters,” Watts concluded. The collaboration between the fire service and the council aims to create a more resilient community, addressing the unique challenges of the borough with the highest number of such incidents.
