04 July 2023
E-bike batteries may pose a risk of fire if damaged, overcharged, or exposed to high temperatures. That’s why it is important owners know the best measures to stay safe when charging their bike or scooter’s lithium batteries.
Following a series of recommendations from fire services across the country, we’ve outlined our top tips so residents can stay safe while charging an electric bike or scooter:
- You should never charge lithium batteries in communal areas of a building. If a fire starts, this may block an emergency exit and residents may not be able to safely evacuate.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance when charging your electric bike or scooter.
- Check your batteries regularly to ensure it is not damaged or failing, which increases its chance of becoming a fire risk.
- Make sure you take your battery off charge if you are out or before you go to sleep.
- Check that your battery and charger meets UK safety standards and ensure it’s the correct battery for your bike or scooter.
- Do not let your battery overheat and make sure to unplug it once the battery is fully charged.
- Ensure you have smoke alarms fitted in the area where you charge your batteries.
Julie Fitzpatrick, Head of Fire Safety at FirstPort, explained:
“The fire service is experiencing an increasing number of fires caused by electric bike or scooter chargers.
“It’s essential that residents at FirstPort-managed developments take measures to prevent lithium battery fires commonly caused by charging an electric bike or electric scooter, and it’s important that they never put a device on charge in the communal areas of a development.
“The fire risk is heightened if the batteries being charged are unsafe or damaged so it’s really important that residents are aware of this and take steps to keep their and others’ homes safe.”
