London Fire Brigade and Uber Eats have launched a new educational partnership focused on battery safety and fire prevention for delivery couriers using electric bikes.
The collaboration supports the Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign and aims to provide couriers with expert guidance on the safe charging and use of lithium-ion batteries.
New safety training for couriers
As part of the initiative, the organisations are developing updated in-app educational modules for Uber Eats couriers.
The training, which is being rolled out throughout 2026, includes guidance from London Fire Brigade fire safety experts on battery health, compatible chargers and recognising signs of overheating.
Safety advice for riders
The Brigade’s guidance advises users to always use the correct charger, unplug batteries once fully charged, avoid charging near flammable materials and never charge batteries while asleep or away from home.
Riders are also urged to stop using batteries that become hot, swollen or emit smoke or burning smells.
Wider road safety measures
Merve Basci, Uber Eats General Manager for the UK said: “Partnering with London Fire Brigade on the #ChargeSafe campaign is a vital pillar of our work to protect both our couriers and the communities we serve.
“While we encourage the transition to electric travel, it is essential that anyone using e-bikes does so in line with the highest safety standards. This revamped education engages couriers directly, giving them the tools to source and use their e-bikes responsibly as we work together to keep London safe.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field from London Fire Brigade said: ”We’re really pleased to have this opportunity to partner with Uber Eats. We launched our #ChargeSafe campaign in March 2023 when we started to see a rise in the number of e-bike and e-scooter fires.
“The number of fires sadly rose last year to the highest level since the campaign began. The worrying data means we need to ensure that every e-bike user has access to our important safety information to curb this alarming trend.
“Our firefighters have seen first-hand the devastating consequences when owners buy unsafe products online. Cheaper products might look like a ‘bargain’, but if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
“When buying and using e-bikes we ask that owners think carefully and educate themselves about the fire safety risks in order to keep themselves and those around them safe.
“Many delivery drivers rely on this greener mode of transport to get around London in a fast and efficient way. Our 999 calls to these type of fires prove that there is a need for strong regulation to prevent the sale of unsafe products. Those that rely on e-bikes for work need to be protected from harm and be confident they are not bringing a fire safety risk into their homes.
“This training is vital to educate everyone on the best way to keep safe – both for the riders themselves but also the community as a whole. For more information, check our dedicated campaign website for info: london-fire.gov.uk/chargesafe”.
