E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular. Most are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can be charged in the home. The use of these batteries in a wide range of household products is becoming increasingly common.
It is important, when charging e-bikes and e-scooters, you do so safely to avoid a risk of a fire starting and putting your families and homes at risk.
With an increased use of e-bikes and e-scooters, comes a corresponding fire safety concern associated with their charging and storage. The use of these products is expected to continue to rise. Some fire services and fire investigators have seen a rise in e-bike and e-scooter battery fires.
Currently, there is limited data relating to the number of fires, but London Fire Brigade reported 8 fires caused by e-bikes and e-scooters in 2019. This rose to twenty-four in 2020 and fifty-nine by December 2021.
On occasions, batteries can fail catastrophically, they can ‘explode’ and/or lead to a rapidly developing fire.
The incorrect disposal of lithium-ion batteries in general household and recycling waste can lead to significant waste fires. Prevention messaging is therefore important in supporting both FRS protection and operational staff.
The guidance linked above can be useful in communicating the risk and minimising the risk of fire to the public.