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Explore hidden fire risks of e-bikes and scooters. Learn about battery safety, certified chargers, storage rules, and recent research for protection.

Electric bikes and scooters are beacons of freedom today – eco-friendly, comfortable, and accessible. However, with all this popularity comes the risk of fire danger. Lithium-ion batteries powering them tend to burst into flames in uncontrolled fires when handled improperly or abandoned imprudently. In this post, we’d like to expose hidden dangers and suggest simple yet effective safeguard measures.

The Deadly Danger of Lithium-Ion Batteries and the First Line of Defense

Lithium-ion batteries are the fundamental energy source of e-scooters and e-bikes; they are powerful but fragile. In 2023, the London Fire Brigade responded to daily fires involving electric bikes/e-scooters – 143 e-bike and 36 e-scooter fires – with three fatalities and 60 injuries. Cyclist fatalities spiked by 15% over the past 10 years as more people are opting for electric bicycles.

Unfortunately, even the highest-quality batteries can be damaged or destroyed if they are dropped or involved in a crash. The replacement batteries due to crash damage are around 16%, and those due to fires in aged batteries are 11%. One of the primary causes of the same fire can be the use of counterfeit or incompatible chargers that overcharge the battery, leading to overheating and thermal runaway.

To minimize risks:
1. Purchase certified products: Purchase batteries and chargers with UL 2849, UL 2272, or CE markings, which are symbols of safety standards.
2. Utilize manufacturer-authorized chargers: Utilize only the charger authorized by the manufacturer.
3. Check for wear and tear: Check cables and connectors for cracks and scratches at regular intervals.

Also, exercise caution with universal chargers that claim to work with all devices. Some low-priced ones have a higher voltage than the allowed level, which makes the device more vulnerable to fire.

Second Line of Defense: Storage and Charging

Inadequate storage and charging are another common cause of fires. Many e-bike owners charge their devices in hallways or near entrance doors, blocking the way out. In a fire, this can be a deadly trap.

Most important recommendations:
1. Charge safely: Put your charger in a suitable, ventilated place, and do not let it be too close to paper or fabric materials.
2. Never charge alone: Avoid charging your device at night or anywhere outside your house. Leaving a charging device unattended is the most frequent reason for fires.
3. Avoid extreme temperatures: To prevent overheating and overcooling, do not leave batteries in environments where their temperature remains above 40°C or below 0°C when charging them.

Garage or individual room charging reduces the risk of blocking exit points, and utilizing certified chargers reduces the risk of fire.

Third Line of Defense: Increased Safety Measures

Apart from certified storage and chargers, additional measures can reduce risks:
1. Check batteries regularly: Inspect for signs of damage, such as swelling, odor, or discoloration. If detected, replace the battery right away through an authorized vendor.
2. Dispose of batteries safely: Never dispose of lithium-ion batteries in residential trash. Use specialized recycling facilities, as recommended by FDNY.
3. Fit heat detectors: The NFPA recommends installing heat detectors at charging points, such as garages, rather than smoke detectors to prevent false alarms.

Additionally, registering your device streamlines the process of receiving safety recall notices, such as those issued for UPP batteries associated with fires in England.

Most Current Research and Legislative Initiatives

Rising fire risks are confirmed by evidence. JAMA Network Open reports that between 2017 and 2022, e-bike accidents doubled annually to 23,493 in the United States in 2022. Fires initiated by lithium-ion batteries are also growing: in New York, there were 267 reports of the latter type in 2023 – a ninefold increase on that of 2019.

In turn, governments are implementing new measures. The United Kingdom introduced the ‘Buy Safe, Be Safe’ campaign in 2024, inviting consumers to purchase only assured products and check for UKCA or CE markings. In the U.S., the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Act adds mandatory safety requirements to batteries of micromobility products.

An interesting, though certainly alarming, statistic is that UL Standards & Engagement found that 53% of e-bike owners are unaware that their product is powered by lithium-ion batteries. Lack of awareness often leads to risky practices, such as charging in hazardous areas, which can sometimes result in severe consequences.

Safety Starts with Awareness

E-bikes and e-scooters are the future of mobility, but safety is up to us. With qualified chargers, proper storage, and awareness of lithium-ion battery risks, catastrophes can be prevented. Responsibility and consciousness are the keys to the safe use of electric transport. It would benefit schools and parents to dedicate more time to learning about how batteries function and their risks. The number of tragedies can be reduced with this effort.