A "worrying" surge in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries exploding into flames has resulted in fire brigades tackling such fires once every five hours across the UK. The increased incidence of fires – frequently linked to e-bikes – has led to mounting concern that current regulations are inadequate as the use of electric cars, e-bikes and battery scooters grows. Figures obtained via an FOI request by insurance company QBE, reveal the rapid uptick in lithium-ion fires, which rose from 713 in 2022, to 1,760 in 2025, representing a rise of 147 per cent and meaning fire crews were tackling these fires almost five times a day last year. E-bikes were the number one source of lithium-ion battery fires, the data showed. In 2025, 520 fires were linked to e-bikes, triple the number just three years earlier. The damage can be widespread after a fire started by an e-bike (LFB/PA) (PA Media) Of these, 44 per cent were dealt with by the London Fire Brigade , with 230 e-bike fires occurring in the capital in 2025.…