E-bike battery fires have been a growing concern, with several incidents reported in recent years. In 2023 alone, there have been 114 investigations into lithium-ion fires, resulting in 74 injuries and 13 deaths[1]. In New York City, there have been 100 battery fires, causing 13 deaths, more than double the six fatalities in the previous year[2]. In the first half of 2023, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) was called to an e-bike or e-scooter fire once every two days[3].
Some common causes of e-bike battery fires include:
- Electrical: Overcharge or over-discharge, incompatibility between the battery and charger, sub-standard battery management system, or external short circuit[3].
- Mechanical: Crushing or penetration of a battery with an external object[3].
- User error: Overcharging the battery or using a faulty charger[5].
The rise in e-bike battery fires has led to calls for tighter regulations, safety standards, and compliance testing to reduce the risk of fires[2]. Some experts suggest that substandard goods, such as e-bikes and third-party batteries, chargers, and conversion kits, pose a significant risk and should be subject to stricter safety measures[3].
To stay safe and reduce the risk of battery fires, it is essential to:
- Purchase e-bikes and batteries from reputable manufacturers and sellers[3].
- Ensure compatibility between the battery and charger[3].
- Use the charger provided by the manufacturer or a certified replacement[3].
- Avoid overcharging the battery and unplug it when fully charged[5].
- Inspect the battery for any signs of damage or wear before use[1].
While there are no specific statistics on the number of e-bike battery fires compared to the total number of e-bikes sold, the increasing number of incidents highlights the need for improved safety measures and awareness[4].
Citations:
[1] https://techcrunch.com/2023/07/11/everything-you-need-to-know-about-e-bike-battery-fires/
[2] https://apnews.com/article/ebike-fires-lithium-ion-batteries-b5ab9acf9ca317a1b5b917097ac5210d
[3] https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/ebike-battery-fires
[4] https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/electrical/ebikes
[5] https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2023/07/e-bike-battery-lithium-ion-fire/674622/