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.…