Are E-Scooters Igniting a Silent Workplace Safety Crisis?

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23 September 2025

New research to mark Fire Door Safety Week reveals that a combination of a surge in lithium-ion battery fires from e-bikes and e-scooters, along with poor fire door maintenance, could be putting lives and property at risk.

 

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The British Woodworking Federation’s research highlights that 19 per cent of people charge e-bikes or e-scooters at work and 12 per cent do so in public facilities such as cafés, pubs and leisure centres.

Survey respondents said that their employer provided end-of-journey facilities such as indoor parking, charging points and secure storage for e-bikes and e-scooters. Almost half of those respondents (46 per cent) had spotted problems with workplace fire doors, ranging from fire doors being propped open (18 per cent), blocked (13 per cent) having faulty closers (10 per cent) or having faulty hinges (10 per cent). 13 per cent of people asked reported fire door faults in the workplace.

 

“We’re urging people never to store or charge e-bikes or e-scooters in hallways, stairwells or escape routes. If possible, keep them outdoors in a garage or shed. If you must keep one indoors, always place it in a room away from your main exit, so that if a fire does break out, you can close the door and get everyone to safety.”

–Richard Field

London Fire Brigade Deputy Assistant Commissioner

 

“E-bikes and e-scooters are one of London’s fastest-growing fire risks. Since the beginning of 2023, there has been a fire, on average, every other day involving an e-bike or e-scooter,” said London Fire Brigade Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field.

“Workplaces need to treat lithium battery fires with the same seriousness as they would in the home. Fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters can erupt suddenly and spread with alarming speed, producing intense heat and toxic smoke in seconds.

“We’re urging people never to store or charge e-bikes or e-scooters in hallways, stairwells or escape routes. If possible, keep them outdoors in a garage or shed. If you must keep one indoors, always place it in a room away from your main exit, so that if a fire does break out, you can close the door and get everyone to safety.”

“Fire doors are a vital line of defence. When properly maintained and kept closed, they hold back flames and toxic smoke, giving you valuable extra minutes to escape while firefighters respond.”

 

Fire Door Safety Week 2025 – Fire Travels Fast

 

Fire Door Safety Week’s function is to raise awareness of the critical role that fire doors play in the devastating event of a fire. This year’s theme is “fire travels fast”, highlighting the fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries. 

 

 

Picture: an infographic from Fire Door Safety Week 2025 titled "FIRE TRAVELS FAST." It includes key statistics such as: 47% of people see e-scooters as a fire hazard. Image Credit: The British Woodworking Federation.

Main Picture: a photograph showing a person using an e-scooter, riding past a large glass-fronted building. Image Credit: Pexels

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 23 September 2025

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