In recent years, e-scooters and e-bikes have become increasingly popular for their eco-friendliness and convenience. However, officers at the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue have seen a worrying increase in fires caused by these devices. The highly flammable lithium-ion batteries used in e-scooters and e-bikes can pose a significant fire hazard if not handled safely. In response to this, RBFRS has issued some critical safety advice to prevent these fires.
Surge in Fires Caused by Batteries
The Public Protection Partnership conducted a Freedom of Information request, revealing a 150 percent surge in the number of fires caused by batteries. Officials have confirmed that these incidents were caused by both e-bike and e-scooter batteries and chargers. The highly flammable nature of the lithium-ion batteries used in these devices is the primary cause of these fires.
Safety Advice to Prevent E-Scooter and E-Bike Fires
RBFRS has released some critical safety advice to prevent e-scooter and e-bike fires. Here are some key steps that you can take to protect yourself and your property:
Avoid Charging Inside: Where possible, avoid charging e-bikes and e-scooters inside. Charging batteries inside your home or office can create a fire hazard, especially if you charge near flammable materials.
Avoid Communal Areas: Avoid storing or charging e-bikes and e-scooters in communal areas as this can affect people’s ability to escape. If a fire were to start, it could block people’s escape routes, putting them in danger.
Charge During the Day: Charge batteries while you are at home, awake, and alert. Do not charge them overnight. In case a fire does break out, being awake and alert can give you more time to evacuate safely.
Keep Away from Flammable Materials: When charging e-scooters and e-bikes, ensure you charge them away from flammable materials. Flammable materials like paper, cardboard, or cloth can easily ignite if they come into contact with the battery.
Ensure Smoke Alarms are Working: It’s important to ensure that your smoke alarms are working correctly. Smoke alarms can provide an early warning if a fire breaks out, giving you more time to evacuate safely.
Use Approved Chargers: Always use the manufacturer approved charger and unplug it after use. Using a charger that is not approved by the manufacturer can cause overheating, which can lead to a fire.
Check Battery for Damage: It’s crucial to check the battery for any signs of damage. If the battery is damaged, do not use it. Damaged batteries can overheat and start a fire.
Avoid Overcharging: Do not overcharge your battery. Overcharging can cause the battery to overheat and ignite.
Properly Dispose of Damaged Batteries: If you have a damaged battery, it’s essential to dispose of it properly. You can check with your local authority to see if they have any battery recycling programs in place.
E-Scooter and E-Bike Fires – A Growing Concern
The increasing popularity of e-scooters and e-bikes has led to a significant rise in accidents and injuries. However, it’s not just accidents that are a concern; there is a growing number of fires caused by these devices.
The highly flammable lithium-ion batteries used in e-scooters and e-bikes can pose a significant fire hazard if not handled safely. These batteries can overheat and ignite, causing a fire that can be difficult to extinguish. In many cases, the fire can cause significant damage to property, and in the worst-case scenario, it can cause injuries or even death.
In response to this, RBFRS has issued some critical safety advice to prevent these fires. It’s essential to follow these guidelines to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. By taking simple precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of fires caused by e-scooters and e-bikes.
E-Scooters and E-Bikes – Environmentally Friendly, but not Risk-Free
E-scooters and e-bikes are becoming an increasingly popular mode of transportation in urban areas. They are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and a convenient way to get around. However, it’s essential to understand that they are not entirely risk-free. In addition to the risk of accidents and injuries, there is also the risk of fire.
The batteries used in e-scooters and e-bikes are highly flammable, which is why it’s essential to take the necessary precautions when using them. By following the safety advice provided by RBFRS, you can reduce the risk of fire and ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.
Summary
E-scooters and e-bikes have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation in recent years. They are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and a convenient way to get around. However, it’s essential to understand that they are not entirely risk-free. The highly flammable nature of the lithium-ion batteries used in these devices can pose a significant fire hazard if not handled safely.
In response to the increasing number of fires caused by e-scooters and e-bikes, RBFRS has issued some critical safety advice. It’s crucial to follow these guidelines to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. By taking simple precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of fires caused by e-scooters and e-bikes.
