These days, electric bicycles and electric scooters, known as e-bikes and e-scooters, are becoming increasingly popular worldwide, especially in cities – owing mainly to rising oil prices, high transportation cost, and traffic congestion.

For owners of e-bikes and e-scooters, it is very important to recognize that these electrical-powered devices pose a FIRE SAFETY RISK.

 

Bear in mind that the lithium-ion batteries used to power these electrical devices as well as other electric vehicles, cell phones, laptops, and power tools can lead to battery fires and explosions.

 

Lithium-ion batteries when damaged can overheat, that a chemical process known as thermal runaway can occur, which means that the battery cells are quickly getting way hotter than they should, in the process being prone to off-gassing fires and explosions.

 

Interestingly, different cities in the US have taken different approaches to address the fire safety problem.

 

For instance, the New York City fire code was amended to enhance FIRE PROTECTION MEASURES such as SPRINKLERS and FIRE-RATED DOORS for areas where more than five (5) e-bikes or e-scooters are being stored or charged.

 

As such, other cities, as well as countries, may likewise amend their FIRE CODES notwithstanding possible backlash from those who rely on e-bikes or e-scooters to get around or make a living.

 

These are safety tips you must follow to prevent your e-bikes or e-scooters to catch fire:

 

1. Get e-bikes or e-scooters that comply with testing certifications or standards such as UL 2849.

2. Use the right charging equipment that comes with the device.

3. Don’t overcharge the battery or leave it plugged in overnight.

4. Don’t charge batteries or store your e-bike or e-scooter near combustible or flammable materials.

5. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the storage and maintenance of batteries if they’re not going to be used for extended periods of time.

6. Don’t charge multiple electrical devices at once from one outlet.

7. Seek professional repairs for damaged e-bikes or e-scooters.

 

As the saying goes: “Better safe than sorry. It makes sense to take precautionary measures before anything bad happens.”