Alarming’ increase in fires caused by e-scooter and e-bike batteries
An “alarming spate” of fires has been caused by unsafe e-bike and e-scooter batteries and chargers, according to Freedom of Information data which shows the number of fires caused by batteries has surged almost 150 per cent in the last year.
E-bikes and e-scooters with lithium-ion batteries can catch fire quickly and with little warning. That’s the message from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) which is issuing fire safety guidance to residents of Berkshire following an alarming rise in the number of serious fire-related incidents caused by these new modes of urban transport.
The danger occurs when e-bikes and e-scooters are left on charge and unattended in homes or in communal areas such as hallways and stairwells, blocking emergency escape routes in multi-occupied buildings. The risk increases particularly when they are charged indoors, especially overnight when occupants are asleep.
Paul Scott, Central Hub Prevention Manager, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service
“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.”
In December, RBFRS was called to two serious incidents in Berkshire. On Thursday, 15 December 2022, fire crews were called to flats in Reading after a resident was woken by an explosion caused by a recently purchased e-bike charger from a popular online marketplace. The e-bike had been left on charge overnight in the hallway of a flat and 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.
Advice from Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service
Berkshire residents can help to protect themselves and others from the dangers of e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery 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.
See link here to some safety advice issued by RBFRS.
If you feel you have been sold an unsafe product then please contact our Trading Standards team on 01635 519930 or email tsadvice@westberks.gov.uk
