Charging an Electric Motorbike, E-Scooter or E-Bike Safely at Home in London

Electric motorbikes, mopeds, e-scooters and e-bikes are popular across London for commuting and deliveries. Most charge from a normal household socket, but how and where you charge matters for safety. London Fire Brigade has repeatedly warned about fires involving these batteries. This post covers the basics of charging them safely at home.

Use the right charger

• Use the charger supplied by the manufacturer, or a replacement approved by them.
• Avoid cheap unbranded chargers bought online, which may not match the battery.
• Do not use a charger or battery that is damaged, swollen or has been dropped hard.
• Buy batteries and chargers from reputable sellers.

Where to charge

Charge in a place where a fire would not block your way out. Avoid hallways, stairwells and the space by the front door, which are escape routes. A garage or a room with a working smoke alarm is better. Do not cover the battery or charger while charging, and keep them away from soft furnishings.

When to charge

Avoid charging overnight while everyone is asleep, or leaving a battery charging when nobody is home. Unplug once the battery is full. Let a hot battery cool down after a ride before charging it.

Sockets and extension leads

Plug the charger straight into a wall socket rather than an extension lead or adaptor. If you need a socket in a garage or shed, have it installed properly with RCD protection. Our main blog explains safe outdoor and garage sockets.

Smoke alarms

Make sure there is a working smoke alarm where you charge and on every floor of the home, ideally interlinked. See our main blog's guide on smoke and heat detectors.

Electric motorbikes with higher power

Some larger electric motorbikes can charge from a standard Type 2 home charger, the same as a car. If yours can, a dedicated charger on its own circuit is safer and faster than a three-pin socket. Check your bike's handbook. See our guide on when a dedicated charger is worth it.

Energy North Ltd installs chargers, garage sockets and smoke alarms across North, East and West London with City & Guilds certified electricians. See our EV charger installation page.