Stay safe with lithium batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries. You can find them in a host of appliances and electronic devices around the home.

Fires involving these batteries can be Fast, Fierce and Fatal. They are one of the fastest growing fire risks in homes today.

They can start suddenly, burn fiercely and often leave people little chance to escape.

Help keep yourself and your loved ones safe from these fires by following the safety tips.

You can find lithium-ion batteries in household electrical items such as:

• Mobile phones
• Tablets
• Laptops
• Mobility scooters
• e-bikes
• e-scooters
• Vapes (or e-cigarettes)
• Hover boards
• Electric toothbrushes
• Some children's toys and books

If these batteries become damaged or begin to fail, they can start fires which quickly spread.

Buying batteries

Make sure:

• You buy products with lithium-ion batteries from a reputable retailer
• Your battery and charger meet UK safety standards

Avoid buying cheap versions available in places such as market stalls or online marketplaces.

Charging batteries

Store and charge larger items with lithium-ion batteries, such as e-bikes or e-scooters outside your home. For example, in a garage/outbuilding. If you need to charge them inside, it's best to do so:

• In a room with a door which you can close
• Somewhere which doesn't block your exit. This means avoiding using places like a hallway or by the front or back door

Keep an eye out for warning signs that your battery might be failing and becoming a fire risk.

Always charge your battery while you are at home and awake. If a fire starts while you are out or asleep, you won't be able to call 999 quickly.

Use the correct charger for your battery. This would either be the one that came with the product or one the manufacturer has recommended.

If a battery is already hot, don't charge it.

Make sure you leave chargers and battery packs uncovered. Covering them could lead to a fire.

Unplug your charger once the battery has charged. Over charging can result in a fire.

Fit smoke alarms in the areas where you charge your batteries and test them once a week to make sure they're working. Test it Tuesday!

Warning signs your lithium-ion battery could be a fire hazard:

• Is it hot? Batteries can often get a little warm, but if your battery feels extremely hot, there's a chance it's defective and may start a fire
• Does it look odd? A battery bulging or swelling out of shape is a common sign of it failing. If you notice this, you should stop using it immediately. This also applies if there are any lumps or leaking
• Can you hear anything? Faulty lithium batteries may make hissing or cracking sounds
• Does it smell? If you notice a strong or unusual smell coming from the battery, it could be faulty
• Is it working properly? Failing to charge or taking longer than usual to charge could mean the battery is failing
• Can you see smoke? If your battery or device is smoking, a fire has already started. Call 999 - get out of the house and stay out

Make sure you report any issue with a trader or a product to Trading Standards. Find out how to report something to trading standards.

Electric bikes - what are they?

Electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs)

Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are motor-assisted. They look similar to conventional bicycles.

With a rechargeable battery and a motor to provide support when pedalling, electric bikes:

• Enable riders to travel faster than a traditional pedal bike
• Decrease the level of physical exertion needed

Under current law in England, Scotland and Wales, people who are 14 or older may use electric bikes that meet certain criteria without a licence or insurance. Different rules apply in Northern Ireland. To meet the criteria for electric bikes, e-bikes must be classed as 'electrically assisted pedal cycles' (EAPCs).

Non-EAPC e-bikes and e-scooters

Any electric bike that does not meet the EAPC rules is classed as a motorcycle or moped. You will need:

• To register and tax it
• A driving licence to ride one
• To wear a crash helmet

Further information

Read more about EAPC classification.

E-bikes and e-scooters contain larger lithium-ion batteries and can cause much more severe fires.

Find out how to charge your electric bike or scooter safely.

E-bike conversion kits could be putting you at risk

Conversion kits allow people to add an electric motor to their bicycle and could put themselves and others at risk if done improperly.

DIY installations can also lead to damage of the kit, increasing the chances of battery failure and the likelihood of a fire.

Tips:

• Buy from a reputable seller
• Don't buy second hand
• Do not attempt to modify or tamper with the battery, motor or charger.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Always charge the battery with the correct charger.
• Only use professional conversion businesses if you wish to convert your bicycle to an e-bike.

Buying e-bikes and e-scooters

• Buy e-bikes and e-scooters from reputable retailers
• Only buy manufacturer-approved replacement batteries and chargers
• Register your product with the manufacturer to validate any warranties. Registering makes it easier for manufacturers to contact you if they do a safety recall or need to send you safety information.
• Check Gov.uk Product Recalls and Alerts website.

Batteries don't belong in the bin!

Please don't put any batteries including lithium-ion batteries - or old devices, toys or toothbrushes that still contain batteries in your rubbish or recycling bins at home. Remove batteries before throwing items away.

And if you are taking items to one of the county's Recycling Centres, please take the batteries out of anything you are disposing of, put them in the battery collection point and place the item in the Small Appliances container. If a battery can't easily be removed, place the item in the small appliance container.

Lithium-ion batteries can start fires in waste vehicles, transfer stations and recycling centres.

Visit the Recycle Your Electricals website for more information about disposing of batteries safely and a location checker tool for drop off points near you.

For larger items, such as power tools or household appliances, you should be able to dispose of the batteries at the shop you bought the item from.