Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS) is urging residents to be aware of the fire risks posed by electric bikes and scooters.
In the last two years (2022 and 2023), WFRS has been called to five scooter or e-bike fires, having attended only one in the previous three years, and there has also been a national increase in the number of fires caused. for these vehicles.
While electric bikes and scooters offer a quick way to get around, if the batteries fail, are damaged, or are charged incorrectly, they can cause devastating fires.
Like many other electrical devices, these vehicles run on lithium batteries. Lithium batteries are used safely by millions of people every day and, when used correctly, are not dangerous, but it is important to be aware of fire risks, especially when charging the battery.
We know that people will be buying electric bikes and scooters as Christmas gifts for others or receiving them as gifts themselves, so WFRS has the following safety tips for anyone who owns one of these vehicles:
- Do not leave your device charging unattended, while you are away or while you sleep.
- Do not cover chargers or battery packs when charging
- Do not charge scooters or electric bicycles in bedrooms or where escape routes may be blocked, such as hallways.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging and using your product and only use the correct charger for your device.
- If the battery can be removed from your electric bike or electric scooter for separate charging, you should charge it on a flat, hard surface where heat can disperse and in a well-ventilated area.
- Make sure you have working smoke alarms installed on all levels of your home, including where you charge your device.
Also, make sure you buy electric bikes, electric scooters, chargers and batteries only from reputable retailers and manufacturers. Check that the product is marked with the CE or UKCA mark to ensure it meets UK product safety standards.
Andy Crump, portfolio holder for Fire, Rescue and Community Safety at Warwickshire County Council, said: โWith Christmas just around the corner, we know that many people will be buying electric bikes and scooters as gifts for others, or receiving one themselves.
โIt is important that they are aware of the potential fire risks that these products present when charged incorrectly, whether by using incorrect cables, not following the manufacturer's instructions or leaving them charging overnight or when away.
โThe batteries in these devices can cause catastrophic fires when something goes wrong, so we urge the public to keep safety in mind and take the right steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from the risk of fire.
"Remember to install working smoke alarms on all levels of your home - these will give you precious time to get out, stay outside and call 999 in the event of a fire."
For more information on how to properly charge electric bicycles and scooters, visit https://fireengland.uk/fire-safety/charging-your-e-bike-or-e-scooter
Watch Fire Kills' video on safe use of electric bikes and scooters here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lJcNSmZ020
For more home fire safety tips, head to https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fire-safety-home.
