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description: To reduce electric bike fire risk, avoid parking under direct sunlight, buy certified vehicle, and dispose of damaged batteries.
title: How to Reduce E-Bike and E-Scooter Fire Risk? - Energy Theory
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# How to Reduce E-Bike and E-Scooter Fire Risk?

What to do when being eco-friendly becomes dangerous? Should we switch to e-bikes or not?

By [Olivia Bolt](https://energytheory.com/author/olivia_bolt/)June 13, 20247 Mins Read

![JAN 23 how to reduce electric bike fire risk](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/JAN-23-how-to-reduce-electric-bike-fire-risk-5-1024x683.jpg "How to Reduce E-Bike and E-Scooter Fire Risk?")

In recent years, electric bike sales soared high as more people incorporated fun mobility into their daily commute. However, with increased sales, there has been an increase in lithium-ion or electric bike fire risk.

According to a [2023 report](https://www.nyc.gov/site/fdny/news/Y40203/fdny-warns-lithium-ion-batteries-now-leading-cause-fires-fire-deaths-new-york), more than 267 fires were recorded leading to 150 injuries and 18 deaths. The ratio of e-mobility fires is nearly 9 times higher than in 2019, according to FDNY. However, in 2019 no deaths were associated with these fires unlike in 2023.

This information can be scary, but it is not the whole story. There are several reasons behind these fires, not just the use of lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, today we will find out how to reduce electric bike fire risk.

## How to Reduce Electric Bike Fire Risk?

E-bikes and e-scooters have almost the same build, which is why the following precautionary methods are applicable to both.

### **1. Notice Warning Signs**

A **failing battery** is one of the main causes of e-bike fires. You can identify these if they are overheating or swelling. If so, then you can replace them. In case of unusual odors, hissing sounds, or smoke, quickly unplug the charger and carefully move away from the battery.

### 2. Never Leave Batteries Unattended

Do not leave the battery charging overnight because it is dangerous. Though they say that batteries have auto-cut features, it still **does not guarantee** that there won’t be any fires.

### 3. Never Charge in an Enclosed Area

Charge the vehicle in an open ventilated area. Make sure there are no flammable objects nearby, to reduce the chances of increasing the fire intensity.

### 4. Let the Battery Cool

Lithium batteries heat up during usage, thus, let them cool down first then put them on charging. It will extend the battery life and prevent any e-bike fire risk.

### 5. Unplug the Charger

Yes, even if we switch off the socket, it is better to unplug the charger to avoid any power surge flow to the battery. Moreover, follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual for charging and maintenance of the batteries.

### 6. Install Smoke Alarms

Getting smoke alarms for the area where you charge the batteries will keep everyone on the safe side. These alarms will alert minutes before the fire actually breaks, giving you or nearby people enough time to stay away from the location.

### **7. Avoid Direct Sunlight**

The  [Fire Department of New York (FDNY)](https://www.nyc.gov/site/fdny/index.page) recommends **not to park or leave** your lithium-ion batteries and e-bike under direct sunlight. It might overheat the batteries. However, this does not count driving your e-bike on a sunny day, as it is fine.

### **8. Avoid Second-hand and Recalled Products**

Do not use second-hand  [lithium batteries](https://energytheory.com/alkaline-battery-vs-lithium-battery-which-is-better/) or recalled e-bikes as they pose a major risk of fire. As a preventive measure, the New York City Council proposed a bill to **prohibit buying and selling used lithium-ion batteries**.

Government announced [no entry for electric bike batteries without proper safety certification](https://energytheory.com/no-entry-for-electric-bike-batteries-without-proper-safety-certification/).

Before purchasing, search for the brand and model number through the [United States Consumer Product Safety Commission](https://www.cpsc.gov/). This can prevent fire in your E-bike.

### **9. Do Not Use Water**

Yes, lithium-ion batteries do not react well with water and any dampness can **result in ignition and fire**. If you notice any smoke or odd smell, do not pour water on it as it can ignite the fire instead of extinguishing it. Do not operate the bike unless safe or else call 911 if you notice extreme signs of the bike exploding.

### **10. Dispose of Damaged Batteries**

It is necessary to **discard damaged or degraded e-bike batteries**. The best option is to give them to recycling locations at Home Depot, Lowes, or Walmart. Or you can reach out to Call2 Recycle to find the nearest recycling location in your area, city, or state.

**Note:** Never discard your lithium-ion batteries in the open or regular trash as they pose a danger.

**Also Read:**  [Uber Will Fund a Buy-Back Program for E-Bikes to Combat the Battery Fire Issue in New York](https://energytheory.com/uber-will-fund-a-buy-back-program-for-e-bikes-to-combat-the-battery-fire-issue-in-new-york/)

### **11. Manufacturer-Approved Charger**

Just like smartphones, e-bikes, and e-scooters function well with chargers designed for them. An **incompatible and unapproved charger overheats the battery**, resulting in an explosion.

Always use a manufacturer-approved cable and power adapter to charge your e-bike. Also, follow the power input-output instructions mentioned in the instruction manual along with tips to maintain the life of the lithium battery in your bike.

### **12. Park Outside**

The [New York City Housing Authority passed regulations](https://ulse.org/news/nycs-new-law-e-bikes-can-save-lives-and-should-be-model) to ban citizens from storing or charging their e-bikes within buildings or apartments. Gas mopeds, motorcycles, and scooters are also covered under this rule to prevent fire hazards in the building.

Thus, it is recommended to keep your e-bike outdoors to prevent fire risk. In such a case, prefer a micro mobility locker or a garage service in your area to park the bike. Make sure the batteries are stored at room temperature there.

### **13. Purchase Certified Bikes and** Batteries

An e-bike should be in compliance with the  [UL 2849 certification](https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwi72-zwodiGAxWd0jwCHVu3CmUYABAAGgJzZg&ase=2&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsaqzBhDdARIsAK2gqnf42bX7ZpyUAp4OoTSuZmoN26tqb6iR3yOHT79iHEj7wW5JOM7jHoQaAkTjEALw_wcB&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESVeD2b5ZosAb_U_zE6pTSS__xa8wdxjTuDEy_HTKodccPU-8FHIPlkxzoXNGAaWJ_VjrAWR7TKnqKf6Pk50jG3voM39lT6zJ6T7j8WEpkSQmPm8vjsCU&sig=AOD64_3rM1zcM5MRkT_dAQZrAen6IxUy4Q&q&nis=4&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwiHiujwodiGAxWWTGwGHQ0dAXUQ0Qx6BAgIEAE) so make sure you check this before purchasing one. A UL-certified bike means that the battery, charger system, and drive train all underwent quality tests against potential fire hazards. Also, a good e-bike should have a battery management system to control the battery temperature and voltage.

**Also Read:** [How Do I Revive My Electric Bike Battery](https://energytheory.com/how-do-i-revive-my-electric-bike-battery/)

### **14. Check for Physical Damage**

There are chances of external damage to the battery while usage. Therefore, every time you put the bike for charging, check the batteries for any physical damage and temperature first. This is another way to prevent a fire in your E-bike.

### **15. Use Compatible Batteries**

Just as chargers and plugs, not every battery is compatible with various e-bike and e-scooter models. For example, one bike may require 24V while the other needs a 12V battery. Switching them often results in battery damage leading to battery fire.

### 16. Charge at Approved Charge Stations

If charging on the go, make sure to go for a government or brand-approved charging station that is ideal for your bike.

Find out [if you can plug an electric car Into a regular outlet](https://energytheory.com/can-you-plug-an-electric-car-into-a-regular-outlet/)?

### 17. Do Not Store Batteries

Another way to prevent fire in e-bikes, discard unused batteries instead of storing them.

### 18. Register for Warranties

As soon as you purchase your e-bike** **get it registered. With this, **you can replace a damaged battery** and get a new one and this can avoid any e-bike fire.

#### **How to Put Out an E-Bike Fire?**

Fire authorities have highlighted methods to put off an e-bile fire by using the correct fire extinguisher.

- **For lithium metal battery fire**, a Class D fire extinguisher can be effective.
- **For Lithium-ion battery fires**, an ABC extinguisher or a standard dry chemical can be used.
- **Large lithium-ion battery fires** need a foam extinguisher that contains CO2, ABC dry solution, powered graphite, or sodium carbonate.

**Important –** If fire is not controllable through these measures, try to contain it and contact the fire department immediately.

**Note:** We do not personally recommend self-use of the above-mentioned methods to put out an e-bike fire. These methods should be used under professional guidance.

The [December 2022 investigation](https://www.consumerreports.org/health/electric-bikes/electric-bike-fires-and-lithium-ion-batteries-a4632489902/), unveiled that lack of lithium-ion battery regulations exposed people to risk of injury or death. E-bike sales were steady after so many fire accidents but still, national sales were [231% higher](https://www.npd.com/news/blog/2021/the-cycling-market-pedals-ahead-in-2021/) than in 2019.

In conclusion, we can only say that being cautious is better and safer for us and everyone around us. Sometimes, following the rulebook can save various lives, including ours. So, we hope these safety measures will prevent and reduce electric bike fire risk.

**Recommended**: [A New Test Reveals Electric Cars are Practically Unusable in Winter – How and Why](https://energytheory.com/new-test-reveals-electric-cars-are-practically-unusable-in-winter/)

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[Olivia Bolt](https://energytheory.com/author/olivia_bolt/)

Olivia is committed to green energy and works to help ensure our planet's long-term habitability. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and avoiding single-use plastic.

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