A WARNING has been issued over e-bikes and scooters as the batteries that power them can catch fire quickly and with little warning.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service says the 21st century forms of transport are causing an “alarming” rise in the number fire-related incidents, thanks to the lithium-ion batteries that power them.
There has been a dramatic surge in sales of e-bikes and e-scooters. Most are powered by lithium technology which is similar to that used in mobile phones.
An investigation by the consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First discovered nearly 60 listings on popular online marketplaces, such as Amazon, eBay, Wish.com and AliExpress, were found to be highly dangerous e-bike chargers.
All 60 failed to meet UK safety standards.
And it’s not scaremongering: According to the National Fire Chiefs Council, there is only a limited amount data relating to the number of fires, but London Fire Brigade reported eight fires caused by e-bikes and e-scooters in 2019. This rose to 24 in 2020 and 59 by December 2021.
In our area, the service said that last month there were called to Reading home after a battery exploded.
The incident took place on Thursday, December 15, at a flat.
The person who called the fire brigade out had been putting power into their ebike overnight after buying a charger from an online marketplace.
The family, along with several other occupants of the building, had to be evacuated.
Only a week later, on Thursday, 22 December 2022, fire crews were called to a home in Slough after an e-scooter had caught fire in a ground floor bedroom resulting in the evacuation of three people, with a casualty treated for smoke inhalation and potential burns to their airways.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service warns that leaving the ebikes and scooters on charge and unattended, or charging them in communal areas such as hallways and stairwells, can block emergency escape routes.
The risk increases particularly when they are charged indoors, especially overnight when occupants are asleep.
Now they are hoping to raise awareness of the issue before it becomes an epidemic.
Paul Scott, central hub prevention manager, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service commented: “As the popularity for e-scooters and e-bikes grows, many people may have received them as Christmas gifts, or may be looking to purchase one.
“DIY e-bike conversion kits are also proving popular.
“We are advising people to buy from reputable retailers, read the instructions carefully and never leave them unattended while charging, particularly overnight while sleeping.
“We would advise people to avoid charging them indoors if at all possible.”
He continued: “A catastrophic failure of a battery and charging equipment can occur if left to overheat, often with very little prior warning. This may lead to an unusually intense fire that can give off toxic gases and large amounts of smoke.
“In the event of an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire, do not attempt to put it out. Get out, stay out and call 999.”
Further information regarding the legal use of e-scooters is available from Thames Valley Police’s website.
Advice from RBFRS
Residents can help to protect themselves and others from the dangers of e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion fires by following this guidance:
- If possible, avoid charging e-bikes and e-scooters indoors.
- Avoid storing or charging e-bikes and e-scooters in communal areas as this can affect people’s ability to escape.
- Charge batteries whilst you are awake and alert and do not charge them if you are away from home.
- Avoid charging near combustible or flammable materials.
- Ensure your smoke alarms are working. If you charge or store your e-bike or e-scooter in a garage or kitchen ensure you install the correct detection equipment. We recommend heat alarms rather than smoke detectors for these areas.
- Always use the manufacturer approved charger for the product and carefully follow the instructions.
- Unplug the charger when you have finished using it.
- Check your battery regularly for any signs of damage.
- Do not overcharge your battery. Check the instructions for charge times.
- If you need to dispose of a damaged or end of life battery, don’t dispose of it in your household waste or normal recycling.
For further fire safety information, visit the RBFRS website.
