E-Bike & E-Scooter Battery Safety: A Practical Guide for Hospitality & Retail Businesses
E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming more common in everyday life—and increasingly, in business operations too. But alongside the benefits of flexibility and convenience comes a lesser-known risk: fire caused by lithium-ion batteries.
Recent research from the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) found that in 2023, there were almost 200 battery-related fires in the UK, often caused by poor-quality components, overcharging, or damage. For businesses—especially in hospitality, leisure, and retail—it’s essential to understand where these risks can arise and how to reduce them.
Why Your Business Might Encounter Lithium-Ion Batteries
Businesses typically come into contact with lithium-ion batteries in two key ways:
1. Your business owns or operates e-bikes or e-scooters
Used for deliveries, staff transport, or hire services, these devices are charged and stored on your premises. This places the responsibility for safety—purchasing, maintenance, charging—firmly on the business.
2. Your guests or customers bring their own devices
Most common in hotels and accommodation settings, guests may bring e-scooters or e-bikes to use during their stay. These are often stored or charged in guest rooms, sometimes without staff knowledge—making this the highest-risk scenario.
Managing Devices You Operate as a Business
If your business uses e-bikes or e-scooters in day-to-day operations:
- Choose certified equipment: Use only UKCA or CE-marked devices and chargers.
- Designate safe charging areas: Ensure these are ventilated, never in escape routes, and monitored during use.
- Train employees: Staff should know how to charge safely, spot signs of battery issues (e.g. overheating, swelling), and report concerns.
- Create a battery safety policy: Outline charging practices, maintenance schedules, and disposal procedures.
- Include devices in safety checks: Regularly inspect batteries, cables, and storage conditions as part of routine safety inspections.
Managing Guest-Owned Devices on Your Premises
If guests bring e-bikes or e-scooters to your venue:
Develop a Clear Policy
- Decide whether these devices are allowed in rooms. If permitted, provide strict charging guidelines.
- If not allowed, offer a safe, alternative charging/storage area—ventilated and away from bedrooms or exits.
Communicate Clearly with Guests
- At check-in: Brief guests on your policy and any alternative facilities.
- In rooms: Use visible signage to discourage in-room charging.
- Pre-arrival: Include battery safety guidance in booking confirmations or digital guest information.
Train Staff to Recognise and Respond
- Staff should understand how to identify different charger types, spot battery issues, and act confidently (and politely) if a guest is charging unsafely.
- Ensure there’s a clear reporting route for staff to escalate concerns quickly and consistently.
Control Storage Locations
- Make it clear that scooters and bikes must not block fire escapes, hallways, or be stored in guest bedrooms.
- Offer dedicated, secure storage zones where guests can safely store and charge their devices under supervision or appropriate conditions.
Strengthening Overall Fire Safety
Beyond managing specific devices, businesses should also consider the wider fire safety picture. Lithium-ion battery risks should be factored into existing fire strategies to ensure a joined-up, proactive approach.
Update Your Fire Risk Assessment
- Account for new battery-related hazards, particularly hidden charging in guest areas.
- Use the assessment to identify where extra measures—such as detection, signage, or storage—may be needed.
Remember, if your team are using e-bike and scooters for work, make sure that you have a risk assessment to cover this task.
Review and Adapt Fire Detection
- Install smoke or heat detectors in staff charging areas or guest-accessible storage zones.
- Consider linking detectors to a central alert system for faster response.
Check Fire Suppression Readiness
- Ensure your extinguishers are suitable for lithium-ion battery fires—standard types (foam/water) may not be effective.
- In higher-risk areas, consider Class D extinguishers or specific lithium-ion fire suppression tools.
Prepare for Incidents
- Develop clear protocols for battery-related emergencies:
- Immediate actions if a device starts overheating
- Safe evacuation procedures
- Communication steps for staff and guests
- Include these scenarios in regular drills and staff briefings.
Schedule Routine Safety Checks
- Build battery and charger inspections into your regular fire safety audit process.
- Look for:
- Unofficial or mismatched chargers
- Visible damage or swelling
- Signs of overheating or burning smells
Share Information Effectively
- Train staff across all departments—not just maintenance or reception—to identify battery risks.
- Use guest-facing communication to reinforce rules without creating alarm. Clear, calm messaging builds compliance and trust.
Final Thoughts
Lithium-ion battery safety isn’t just a technical concern—it’s a people issue. Whether it’s your staff using e-bikes for work or guests charging personal devices behind closed doors, understanding the risks and planning accordingly is critical.
Most fire incidents involving lithium-ion batteries are preventable. Through clear policies, appropriate infrastructure, and confident, informed staff, businesses can create a safe environment for everyone.
For more detail on fire safety regulations and current guidance on e-bike and e-scooter use, refer to the latest resources on GOV.UK or please get in touch and we’d be happy to help.
