Preventing E-Bike and E-Scooter Lithium Battery Fires: A Guide for Landlords and Tenants
3 Jan, 2025
Why Are Lithium Batteries a Fire Risk?
Lithium-cell batteries used in e-bikes or e-scooters can catch fire for several reasons, including manufacturing defects, overcharging, and physical damage. These batteries can start powerful, rapid-moving fires that are difficult for firefighters to extinguish, making them potentially aggressive threats to property and lives.
Key Fire Risks Associated with E-Bike and E-Scooter Batteries
- Overcharging and Poor Charging Habits: Overcharging or using the incorrect chargers can also cause overheating. Household chargers from other manufacturers can be dangerous. Always use the charger with a device or one of an equivalent quality, and never leave your devices charging unattended or overnight.
- Low-Quality Batteries and Chargers: You may compromise safety by buying cheap, counterfeit, or unbranded batteries and chargers that do not have any safety built into them.
- Physical Damage to Batteries: Physical damage to e-bikes or e-scooters may disrupt the battery cells, leading to internal short circuits and fires. They should have alert devices that you can check, but it is also important to inspect your device regularly for signs of damage.
- Charging in Unsafe Areas: Charging in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation, like hallways or near flammable materials, can amplify the fire risk. Always charge in open, well-ventilated areas away from escape routes.
Safety Tips for Tenants
As a tenant, you are responsible for using e-bikes and e-scooters safely within your rented property. Follow these practical tips to ensure your use of lithium batteries doesn’t pose a fire hazard to yourself or others.
- Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for charging, storing, and maintaining your e-bike or e-scooter. This reduces the risk of mishandling the battery.
- Avoid Overcharging: Unplug devices once fully charged. Continuous charging strains the battery, causing it to overheat. Use chargers that automatically cut off when charging is complete.
- Inspect Your Device Regularly: Inspect the battery and charger for wear, damage, or overheating signs. If you see the battery bulging, leaking, or any abnormal odour, stop using it and seek professional advice.
- Store Safely: Keep E-bikes and E-scooters in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight and flammable materials. Do not leave your batteries in extremely hot or cold conditions, as this can damage the health of battery life.
- Know What to Do in Case of Fire: Call The Fire Brigade immediately exit the property.
Safety Tips for Landlords
Landlords must keep their properties safe from the special fire risks of lithium batteries. With the ownership of e-bikes and e-scooters on the rise, the risks are growing.
- Educate Your Tenants: Ensure your tenants are aware of how to best use, charge, and store e-bike and e-scooter batteries. Display safety instructions in common places or include them in welcome gift packs.
- Designate Safe Charging Areas: Encourage tenants to charge their devices in safe, designated areas with proper ventilation. Consider installing charging points in locations furthest from living spaces to help lower the risk of fires.
- Regular Property Inspections: Conduct regular inspections to ensure that tenants’ needs are being met. Look for evidence of unsafe charging, such as extension cords stretching across hallways or power strips overcrowded with electronics.
- Install Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers: Make sure your property has working smoke alarms installed, especially at the source where you normally charge the devices. Get a fire extinguisher that is appropriate for electrical fires.
- Update Tenancy Agreements: Consider including clauses in tenancy agreements regarding the safe use of e-bikes and e-scooters. This will set clear expectations and allow you to take action if safety protocols are ignored.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
A number of fires originate with lithium batteries due to mishandling, which is entirely preventable. Here, we highlight common errors and how you can avoid them to reduce the risk of fire on your property, keeping everyone safe.
- Don’t Buy Cheap Batteries: While it may be tempting to save money, cheap batteries often lack essential safety features. Always choose batteries that meet safety standards.
- Avoid DIY Repairs: Never try to repair a battery problem alone. Never perform repairs and replacements yourself, and always look for professional help.
- Don’t Charge in Escape Routes: Charging devices in areas that block exits can be hazardous during a fire emergency. Keep pathways clear and charge devices in designated areas.
Responding to Battery Issues
If you experience any problems with your battery—for example, if it is too hot or damaged —do not use the product until a professional has examined it. Landlords must also act quickly if tenants report any problems, because unresolved repairs may increase the likelihood of a fire.
The Importance of Insurance
All landlords and tenants should check that they have the right insurance cover in place for damage caused by fire caused by lithium batteries. Landlords should ensure their landlord insurance covers this specific risk, while tenants should consider contents insurance for personal protection.
Stay Safe
While e-bikes and e-scooters offer great convenience, they have specific safety challenges. All parties—landlords and tenants—can mitigate the risks of lithium battery fires through awareness and proactive actions. Things as basic as selecting good products and best practices like charging habits can greatly impact safety. Keep informed, stay alert, and make your property a safe place for all.
This guide is for information only and is not an exhaustive list. Fire Safety is a serious issue. Find out more at https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/the-home/electrical-items/batteries-and-chargers/