Electric bicycles and electric scooters, or e-bikes and e-scooters, are more popular than ever. These devices give riders a lower-cost and environmentally friendly way of getting around. But, unknown to many users, the batteries that power e-bikes and e-scooters have also been known to catch on fire and cause explosions.

The popularity of electric bikes and electric scooters (e-bikes and e-scooters) has taken off over the past few years. Lithium-ion batteries are usually the source of power for both, and if not used correctly or damaged, those batteries can catch on fire or explode. Whether you use e-bikes or e-scooters as your main way of getting around or just for fun, there are important safety tips to keep in mind when charging or storing these devices.

The Problem

• Damaged or defective batteries can over­heat, catch fire, or explode.

• Lithium-ion battery fires give off toxic gases and they burn extremely hot.

Safety Tips

• Only purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly.

• Always follow the instructions from the manufacturer.

• Only use the battery and the charger that were designed for, and came with, the device.

• Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.

• Only charge one device or device battery at a time to prevent overloading the circuit.

• Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at tem­peratures below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C).

• Do not store batteries in direct sunlight or inside hot vehicles and keep them away from children and liquids.

• Store e-bikes, e-scooters, and batteries away from exit doors and anything that can get hot or catch fire.

• Only have device repairs performed by a qualified professional.

• Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycling is always the best option. Take the batteries to a battery recycling location or contact your local waste department for disposal instructions.

Signs of a Problem

Stop using the e-bike or e-scooter if you notice any of these problems with the battery: unusual odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking, smoking, or not keeping a charge.

If you see a fire …

Leave the building immediately.

Don’t try to fight the fire.

Call 911.