Fire Safety Guidance: E-Bikes / E-Scooters
E-Bikes / E-Scooters are powered by Lithium-Ion batteries which may be a potential fire risk if they are over-charged, over-heated, damaged or poorly manufactured.
We’ve had lots of incidents recently involving e-bikes and scooters where there have been issues with the batteries or chargers.
To help keep you as safe as possible we’ve put together some guidance below.
Safely charging your e-bike or e-scooter
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Don’t charge e-bikes and e-scooters in bedrooms or where escape routes can be blocked – for example, hallways.
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Don’t leave your battery charging unattended, when you are out or while you are asleep.
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Don’t cover chargers or battery packs when charging
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Don’t overload sockets or use inappropriate extension leads
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Don’t charge or store batteries in direct sunlight or in hot locations (above 45⁰C)
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Don’t charge batteries close to combustible materials or hazardous substances.
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Always unplug your charger when you have finished charging
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If your battery can be removed from your e-bike or e-scooter and charged separately.
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Batteries should always be charged on a hard flat surface where heat can disperse and in
area with good ventilation.
What is a Lithium-Ion battery?
A Lithium-Ion battery has two sections. Ions pass from one section to another across an electrolyte interface discharging and charging as they go. If the interface becomes damaged, then a process called thermal runaway can occur within the battery which causes a build-up of heat and chemical gases.
Why charging lithium-ion batteries be dangerous, and what to look out for:
As pressure builds up inside the battery which ruptures or explodes emitting poisonous gasses and flames and are very dangerous as they can start without warning – although sometimes you might hear popping and hissing noises and some smoke / vapour. Battery fires often develop very quickly with large hot flames producing poisonous smoke and are very hard to put out!
If you notice that a battery on charge is becoming overheated, deformed or showing any signs of failure turn the charger off and unplug it. Keep an eye on it and contact the manufacturer / retailer.
If batteries start popping, hissing and smoking – DON’T TRY AND FIGHT THE FIRE, RAISE THE ALARM, GET OUT, STAY OUT AND DIAL 999.