E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety

The use of E-Scooters and E-Bikes is becoming more common but it’s important to know the risks that come with them, particularly when charging the batteries. We want to help keep everyone safe so we’re raising awareness of these risks and sharing some tips to help prevent them. 

It’s reported that, on average, 24 fires a week are caused by chargers, cables or batteries. 

We know that electric scooters and bikes are popular, and it’s important that owners understand the risks. There are some simple ways you can stay safe if you own one: 

• Let your battery cool down after use and before you charge it 
• Charge on a hard, flat surface so the heat can dissipate and there’s less risk of them being dropped or knocked over 
• Never expose the battery to extreme temperatures 
• Don't use or charge if the battery is damaged in any way 
• Never charge batteries overnight, whilst sleeping or when you’re not home 
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and unplug when fully charged 
• Use the correct charger and buy from reputable sellers 
• Don’t charge the battery anywhere that may affect your escape routes 

It’s also important to be aware of the signs of a defective battery. Some things to look out for are: 

• Heat: It’s normal for batteries to generate some heat when charging or in use. However if your device’s battery seems extremely hot, 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. Other 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 

If you do see any of the signs of a defective battery, it’s important to get in touch with the manufacturer for advice or check with your local authority to find out where you can dispose of it appropriately. If the device starts smoking or catching fire, raise the alarm, get out and call 999 as soon as it’s safe to do so. 

If you need any more support, please get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.