Figures released by London Fire Brigade indicate that fires caused by e-scooters and e-bikes have increased by 164% from 2020. With the recently announced Transport Bill* expected to regulate e-scooter use, and e-biking continuing to prove a popular means of transport, related claims appear set to become part of the property and liability claims landscape.
We consider below some of the challenges they may pose to the subrogating insurer.
Why are e-scooters and e-bikes catching fire?
In the UK and Europe, e-bikes will generally use Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries, favoured for their ability to produce a large amount of power, relative to their size and weight. Lithium-ion batteries are, however, inherently flammable and vulnerable to heat, being made up of cells filled with flammable electrolyte.
Whilst lithium-ion batteries generally incorporate safety features (such as the use of a…
Exploding E-Bike and E-Scooter batteries and subrogated recovery
