Instances of devastating residential fires caused by charging damaged and non-standard e-bike and e-scooter batteries have been making the news recently. These fires caused significant damage and in recent tragic cases, death.
Last year (2022), the London Fire Brigade responded to 87 fires involving e-bikes and 29 fires involving e-scooters. Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in most e-scooters and e-bikes, are known to be flammable. If they are damaged or overheat, they can catch fire and even explode.
It is important to be aware of the fire hazard these batteries pose and take steps to reduce the risk. By following these safety tips, you can help to keep yourself and others safe.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to a battery fire. These include:
- Overcharging: Charging a lithium-ion battery beyond its capacity can cause it to overheat and catch fire.
- Damage: Dropping or crashing an e-scooter or e-bike can damage the battery, making it more likely to catch fire.
- Faulty batteries: Some non-standard e-batteries are made with faulty components that can increase the risk of fire.
- Improper charging: Using the wrong or broken charger or charging the battery in a humid or hot environment can also increase fire risk.
If you own an e-scooter or e-bike, there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of a battery fire:
- Only use the charger that came with your device.
- Never leave your e-scooter or e-bike charging unattended.
- Avoid charging the battery in a hot or humid environment.
- Inspect your e-scooter or e-bike regularly for signs of damage to the battery and charging equipment.
- If you suspect that your battery is damaged, do not use it and contact the manufacturer.
Additional Safety Tips
- Store your battery in a cool, dry place.
- Do not expose your battery to extreme temperatures.
- Do not puncture or damage your battery.
- Do not dispose of your battery in a fire.
- If you see an e-scooter or e-bike battery fire, it is important to stay away from the flames and call the 999 immediately.
If you need simple, plain talking advice on how to ensure you are meeting all of your fire safety responsibility, contact our team to arrange a FREE 1-Hour Fire Safety Audit to assess what level of help you may require.
T: 0161 831 9722
E info@nofireltd.co.uk
