Published: Tuesday 15 August 2023
Whilst E-Bikes and E-Scooters offer a great way around the city, they pose a significant fire risk if not stored and charged correctly. Our Fire Safety Team want to ensure that all our residents are aware of the risks of charging electric scooters and bikes.
The risk of a fire starting comes from the Lithium batteries that power these vehicles. If these batteries become damaged or begin to fail in any way, they can start fires.
We have put together some top tips on how to reduce the risk of fire when charging your e-bikes and scooters, these include:
- Do not charge batteries, e-bikes and e-scooters on exit routes in your home. If a fire breaks out, you won’t be able to leave safely. Store them in a shed or garage where possible
- Never leave your battery to charge when you are out or while you’re asleep
- Make sure your battery and charger meet UK safety standards
- Use the correct charger for your battery, and make sure to buy from a reputable seller
- Let your battery cool before charging it
- Unplug your charger once the battery is fully charged
- Fit smoke alarms in the area where you charge your batteries
Know the warning signs!
- Heat: It’s normal for batteries to generate some heat when charging or in use. However, if your device’s battery feels extremely hot to the touch, there’s a chance it’s defective and may start a fire.
- Bulging: A battery bulging or swelling out of shape is a common sign of it failing. If your battery looks swollen, you should stop using it immediately. Similar signs include any type of lump or leaking from the device.
- Noise: Failing lithium batteries have also been reported to make hissing or cracking sounds
- Smell: If you notice a strong or unusual smell coming from the battery, this could also be a sign of it failing
- Performance: A failure to fully charge or longer charge times can be a sign that your battery is failing
- Smoke: If your battery or device is smoking, a fire has already started
What you should do if your lithium battery is a fire risk
If your battery shows any sign of failing please do the following:
- Immediately turn off the device and unplug it from the power source.
- Call the device manufacturer or retailer for further instructions.
- If the device starts smoking or catches fire, raise the alarm, get out, stay out and call 999 immediately.
- If you’ve spotted the warning signs, make sure you report your faulty battery to your local Trading Standards office.
Get in touch if you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of our Fire Safety Team by emailing [email protected].