As electric mobility and battery-powered devices become ever more common, think e-scooters, e-bikes, hoverboards and similar gadgets, they bring convenience and environmental benefits. However, they also bring a risk when their lithium-ion batteries are mishandled or improperly charged.
At Lansdown Insurance Brokers, our Block of Flats Insurance team highlights the key risks and how to reduce them.
Why safe charging matters
These devices are typically powered by lithium-ion batteries and are charged from mains electricity (13 amp sockets in UK homes). If these batteries are overcharged, damaged, poorly maintained or left unattended, they can become unstable, causing fires and releasing toxic smoke.
For insurers, the message is simple: charging devices incorrectly can result in avoidable damage, potential claims, and safety risks for people and property.
Key safety recommendations
Here are the best practices we recommend (drawn from Ecclesiastical’s risk-management guidance) that you should incorporate into your home or business charging routine:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Only use the charger and cable supplied or approved by the device maker. Never use incompatible or generic charging equipment.
- Buy equipment from reputable sources: Ensure your charger or replacement battery is bought from a reliable retailer or directly from the manufacturer, to ensure it meets UK safety standards.
- Check for damage: If the battery has been dropped, severely impacted, or shows signs of swelling or damage, replace it with a new one compatible with your device.
- Avoid unattended or overnight charging: Don’t leave devices charging overnight or when the building is unoccupied.
- Inspect the charging cable regularly: If the cable is frayed, worn, damaged or showing insulation defects, discontinue use and replace it.
- Ensure your property’s electrical installation is capable: If you’re using a 13 amp mains socket, ensure this has been checked. Old wiring may not cope with the demand from charging your device.
- Choose a safe charging location: Make sure not to charge next to flammable materials, keep at least 2 metres clear of combustible items. The area should also be clear to allow safe exit from the property in case of an incident.
- Install suitable fire/smoke detection: A smoke or heat alarm covering the charging area is essential.
- Consider specialist fire-extinguishing equipment: For businesses or higher-risk homes, consider a fire extinguisher rated for lithium-ion battery fires.
Why this is important for our clients
As an insurance broker supporting homeowners, landlords, and businesses, Lansdown Insurance Brokers sees many different types of risks. Taking these precautions can help:
- minimise claims arising from e-device fires or damage
- reduce premium increases tied to repeated incidents or hazardous practices
- build your business’s (or home’s) profile as a responsible risk – something underwriters value
- protect reputation and occupant safety, which is especially relevant for commercial landlords, small business owners, and residential clients alike
Practical tips for implementation
- Communicate with occupants / staff: If you manage a multi-unit building, office or shared workspace, include these guidelines in a risk-communication bulletin or tenant handbook.
- Schedule periodic inspections: For properties with multiple e-devices or charging bays (e.g., workplaces, bike-hubs, rental properties) include an inspection of wiring, charging infrastructure and alarms.
- Keep records: For business clients, maintain logs of battery-device maintenance, charger replacements and wiring inspections, helpful for underwriting and compliance.
- Include in risk assessments: When performing a fire or safety risk assessment (for insurance or compliance), mark e-device charging zones as potential ignition/hazard zones and assess accordingly.
- Encourage device-users to be responsible: Whether staff, tenants or residents, remind them to use approved chargers, not leave devices charging when out, and to report damaged equipment.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
About Lansdown Insurance Brokers
Lansdown Insurance Brokers are specialists in Landlord Insurance and Block of Flats Insurance. We can provide policies tailored to your needs and offer guidance on the necessary cover required. Whether you’re a landlord, investor, or property manager, call the team on 01242 524498 or email enquiries@lansdowninsurance.com.
Lansdown is part of the Benefact Group, a charity-owned, international family of financial services companies that gives all available profits to charity and good causes.