This report presents the findings of the first comprehensive UK study examining the risk of lithium-ion battery fires among food delivery riders.
The rapid growth of app-based food delivery has made e-bikes an effective means for thousands of gig-economy delivery riders across the UK to earn income.
At the same time, lithium-ion battery fires involving e-bikes have increased significantly, posing serious risks not only to riders but also to their families, neighbours, emergency responders, and the wider public.
Most delivery riders want to work safely.
But this research found that economic pressures, housing constraints and the realities of gig economy work often make unsafe battery practices the easiest, or only, option.
Conducted by University College London (UCL) in partnership with Electrical Safety First, the research combines:
- An online survey of 637 delivery riders;
- 20 in-depth interviews with delivery riders;
- 10 interviews with stakeholders from government, regulators, emergency services, industry and civil society;
- A multi-stakeholder workshop;
- Analysis of rider-submitted photographs;
- Behavioural science analysis to understand the factors driving unsafe battery behaviours and identify the interventions most likely to reduce risk.
Powering the UK Gig Economy Safely
Powering the UK Gig Economy Safely
Landmark research providing vital new evidence on the rising incidence of battery fires involving e-bikes used in the gig economy.
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