Case Study: E-bike fire at a home

A Jedburgh mum is helping the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service raise awareness of the potential fire risk of rechargeable devices after her son's e-bike exploded in their home in Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders.

Rosie Dobson (32) was at home when she heard a popping noise. She soon discovered it was coming from her 5-year-old son Dylan's e-bike, which he got for Christmas.

She explains in the video how smoke was coming from the battery of the bike, before flames started shooting out across her living room.

Rosie's home, which she shares with her three children, was badly damaged in the fire. Her own photos of the fire damage feature in the video.

Statistics released by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in December last year show a rise in the number of fires involving rechargeable batteries.

They contain lithium-ion and are found in lots of household items, including mobile phones, laptops and vapes, as well as larger products like e-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards.

If damaged, faulty or if improperly used, the batteries can catch fire, and in some cases cause explosions and the release of toxic fumes.

Firefighters are urging people to follow safety advice for these products, such as how to buy from a reputable retailer and charge safely at home.

If you see flames or smoke coming from the battery or device, a fire has already started. As with all fires you should get out, stay out, and call 999. Do not try to extinguish the fire yourself.

Ensure you have smoke detectors in place at home.

Please visit the our lithium-ion battery page for more guidance.