Fires involving Lithium Ion Batteries

 

Fires Involving E-scooters & E-bikes....

UK Fire & Rescue Services have reported a significant increase in fires related to e-scooters and e-bikes. They are responding to an incident once every two days. E-scooters and e-bikes often use lithium batteries which can start incredibly ferocious fires. These fires are hard to control and spread extremely quickly through buildings.

How to keep your home safe when charging your e-bike or e-scooter

It is important to take precautions to prevent potential fire hazards that could endanger you, your home, and your neighbours' homes.

 

 

The warning signs your e-bike or e-bike battery is a fire hazard

• 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 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 of these signs of failing, immediately turn off the device and unplug it from the power source.  Call the device manufacturer or retailer for further instructions.  

If you’ve spotted the warning signs, make sure you  report your faulty battery to your local Trading Standards office.

What to do if your lithium battery catches fire

If the device starts smoking or catches fire:

• get out
• raise the alarm and call 999 immediately
• stay out and do not try to tackle the fire yourself