Fire safety concerns are growing over the use of e-bikes and e-scooters.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) is urging residents to use e-bikes safely following a sharp rise in lithium-ion battery fires, with a particular focus on students during Freshers' Week.
'Serious fire risk'
A spokesman for WYFRS said: "E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular, but the lithium-ion batteries that power them can present a serious fire risk if they are not used correctly.
"We would encourage people to buy e-bikes, e-scooters, batteries, and chargers from reputable retailers, always use manufacturer-approved equipment, and follow the safety guidance provided with the product.
WYFS Risk Reduction team at New College Bradford (Image: West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service)
"Never charge batteries overnight or when you are asleep, avoid charging near exits or escape routes, and store batteries away from heat sources and anything that could damage them."
WYFRS gave safety talks across West Yorkshire
During Freshers' Week, fire crews attended events across West Yorkshire to raise awareness among students, including a visit to New College Bradford by Bradford Red Watch and the Risk Reduction team.
Students were shown e-bike and e-scooter equipment damaged in fires to highlight the dangers of counterfeit chargers and batteries.
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The campaign forms part of a wider safety push after WYFRS recorded a 93 per cent rise in lithium-ion battery fires since 2022.
Half of fires linked to counterfeit chargers
Testing revealed that 98 per cent of fake chargers could cause electric shock or fire, and nearly half of e-bike fires were linked to counterfeit chargers.
Scott Donegan, area manager at WYFRS, said: "We’re seeing the same patterns again and again: counterfeit chargers and batteries, overnight charging in hallways, and e-bikes stored on escape routes.
Those three things turn a small fault into a fast, life-threatening fire. Buy Safe. Charge Safe. Dispose Safe"
The warning comes amid wider concerns about e-bikes in Bradford.
(Image: T&A)
Resident safety concern
Earlier this month, an 18-year-old e-scooter rider was left critically injured after a collision.
Bradford residents have also raised fears about being knocked down by illegally ridden e-bikes.
Shipley MP Anna Dixon also raised the issue, saying that some residents "no longer feel safe on their streets."
In response to concerns, Bradford Council said it supports enforcement through its Vision Zero Bradford programme and joint work with West Yorkshire Police.
As part of this, officers can now seize vehicles being used anti-socially without first issuing a warning. Residents are also being encouraged to report incidents.
Figures obtained by the Telegraph & Argus show that just 12 e-bikes were seized by police between January and June 2026.