Lithium-ion batteries

What are Lithium-ion batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries are found in lots of household items. These include mobile phones, laptops, and vapes as well as larger products like e-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards.

It's essential to use these batteries safely for as long as they’re powering your devices. This helps prevent accidental fires, which could have devastating results for you, your family, and your home.

The ferocity of a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery can be significant and prevent you from escaping from your home.

Spot the signs of a damaged battery

A damaged battery is a potential fire hazard. Pay extra attention if you have recently dropped the lithium-ion battery.

Don't use or charge your device if you notice the battery:

• producing smoke
• feeling extremely hot to touch
• looking swollen or has any type of lump or leak
• making a hissing or cracking sound
• smelling unusual
• taking longer to charge or does not fully charge

Buying a product containing a lithium-ion battery

When purchasing products that contain lithium-ion batteries, buy from reputable retailers. This is especially important if you are shopping online. Many fires are caused by counterfeit electrical goods. Check that the devices meet British or European safety standards. Items which don't meet these standards pose a huge fire risk.

After buying the product, register it with the manufacturer. If there is an issue, manufacturers use this information to contact you with relevant safety advice or for product recalls. If you choose not to register your product, product recalls can be checked via Electrical Safety First or the UK government website. 

Remember to:

• purchase from reputable retailers and ensure products meet safety standards
• register your product with the manufacturer for updates and recalls
• avoid counterfeit goods as they pose a serious fire risk

Charging a lithium-ion battery

To make sure you can respond quickly in the event of a fire, you should not charge your battery while you are asleep or away from home. Unplug the charger once the battery is fully charged.

Think about where your device is being charged. If a battery catches fire, it may block people from exiting the building safely. Don’t charge them in hallways or communal areas that serve as escape routes.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging times, never overcharge your battery, and use the manufacturer-approved charger for the product.

Do not cover the charger, battery, or device while charging. This can cause overheating or even a fire. Avoid charging your batteries near flammable materials, do not overload power sockets or use unsuitable extension cords. Always use uncoiled extension leads that are properly rated for your devices.

If you notice any damage or wear and tear on your charger, replace it with an official charger from a reputable source.

Remember to:

• charge batteries only in safe areas, not in escape routes or near flammable materials
• use the manufacturer-approved charger and follow charging instructions carefully
• unplug chargers once charging is complete and never charge while sleeping or unattended while away from home

Storing a lithium-ion battery

When storing products that use lithium batteries, such as e-bikes or e-scooters, avoid keeping them in escape routes or communal areas. In the event of a fire, these could block people from leaving the building safely. Store the product and their batteries in a cool place, avoiding exposing them to extreme heat or cold.

If you won’t be using the battery for an extended period, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper storage and maintenance.

Remember to:

• store batteries in cool, well-ventilated areas, away from extreme temperatures
• keep e-bikes and e-scooters out of escape routes and communal areas
• follow manufacturer’s guidelines for long-term storage and maintenance

How and where to recycle batteries

Lithium-ion batteries, and non-rechargeable batteries such as AA or AAA, must always be recycled properly. They should never be placed in household waste. Heat, damage, or improper handling can cause fires or cause them to explode.

Most local recycling centres accept lithium-ion batteries. They should be disposed of alongside Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) items. Check with your local authority for specific recycling guidelines in your area.

Remember to:

• never dispose of lithium-ion batteries in general household waste
• use dedicated recycling points or services provided by the manufacturer
• check with local recycling centres or authorities for proper disposal options

Further information and FAQ's

The National Fire Chief Council’s website has more advice as part of their ‘Charge Safe’ campaign, which includes lots of guidance for users of electric bikes, scooters and includes information about conversion kits.