Shoreham Firefighters Sound Alarm After E-Bike Battery Blaze
Fire crews in Shoreham raced to the scene after an e-bike battery exploded into flames earlier this month. The incident has sparked a serious fire safety warning.
Battery Blaze Ignites at Church Green
At 2.28pm on Monday, 12 January, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) tackled a small but dangerous fire at Church Green, Shoreham. The cause? A lithium-ion battery from an e-bike conversion kit that went into thermal runaway, igniting flames and risking major damage.
E-bike conversion kits allow riders to add electric motors to standard bikes. But these kits often need separate batteries and chargers. Using the wrong combination is a recipe for disaster – and flames.
Firefighters Act Fast to Douse Dangerous Blaze
Arriving swiftly, firefighters plunged the overheating battery into water to cool it down. They also used thermal imaging cameras to monitor the temperature and prevent a bigger disaster.
Crew Commander Mike Wattam warned: “E-bike conversion kits are growing in popularity but pose a serious fire risk when incompatible batteries and chargers are used. Always buy electronics, batteries, and chargers from trusted retailers to meet UK safety standards.”
Experts Demand Professional Help and Strict Safety
Station Manager Darren Wickings, head of the lithium-ion safety group LIBERATE, urged riders to leave conversions to the pros and follow all safety rules:
“Get e-bike conversions done by a professional. Follow all manufacturer instructions carefully. Don’t fiddle with batteries, chargers, or motors yourself. Always use the correct charger. Charge batteries on flat surfaces, never leave them unattended or overnight. Make sure smoke alarms are near charging spots and don’t block escape routes with charging bikes or scooters.”
LIBERATE monitors lithium-ion battery dangers and shares vital safety info with over 220 organisations, including fire services and waste firms.
Don’t Risk It: Keep Your E-Bike Battery Safe
This latest Shoreham blaze is a stark warning about the risks hidden in poorly handled e-bike conversion kits and lithium-ion batteries. Follow expert advice to protect your home and yourself from fire damage.
