Uber Eats and London Fire Brigade Launch E-Bike Battery Safety Training

Uber Eats has partnered with the London Fire Brigade to provide battery safety training to delivery riders through the company's app. The training is part of the Brigade's Charge Safe campaign, which targets fires connected to e-bike and e-scooter batteries.

New training modules will be introduced this year. Riders will receive guidance on safely charging and using lithium batteries, including instructions to use the correct charger and avoid charging overnight or while away from home. The lessons will also cover how to identify warning signs such as overheating, swelling, or smoke from a battery.

The guidance was developed using information from London Fire Brigade experts.

Brigade started the Charge Safe campaign in 2023 after an increase in fires involving electric bikes and scooters. Last year recorded the highest number of such incidents since records began. Fire chiefs stated that many riders purchase low-cost batteries and chargers online without knowing the associated risks.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field said firefighters have seen the impact of unsafe batteries on homes and families. "Our firefighters have seen first-hand the devastating consequences when owners buy unsafe products online," he said. He added that delivery riders who rely on electric bikes for work deserve to be safe and should not have to worry that charging their vehicle at home could endanger loved ones.

The London Fire Brigade issued guidance for households charging electric bikes and scooters. People are advised to keep batteries away from flammable items, unplug chargers once the battery is fully charged, and never leave batteries charging while asleep or away from home.

Anyone who notices a battery becoming hot, swollen, or emitting smoke or a burning smell should stop using it immediately. Officials recommend charging batteries in well-ventilated areas near smoke alarms. If a battery fire occurs, people are instructed to leave the building, close doors behind them, and call 999.

Eats said it is continuing to improve safety checks for riders using electric bikes. The company works with Zoomo, Zenion, and Ride Today to help couriers access legal and reliable e-bikes. The company uses monitoring systems to detect riders who may be using bikes that exceed legal speed limits.

If flagged, a courier's account can be suspended until proof of compliance with bike and insurance rules is provided. Merve Basci, General Manager of Uber Eats UK, said the partnership supports both couriers and the communities served. She added that anyone using e-bikes should follow the highest safety standards.