Electric scooters and e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular, but they also come with risks. One of the biggest concerns is the risk of fire caused by lithium-ion batteries. But what causes these battery fires? How frequently do these fires occur?

Main Causes of Fires

1. Overheating
   During intensive use or exposure to high temperatures, a lithium-ion battery can overheat, leading to a chemical reaction (thermal runaway) and eventually a fire or explosion.
    
2. Incorrect Charging
   Using improper chargers, damaged cables, or overcharging can damage a battery and pose a fire risk. Always use original chargers and charge batteries in a safe environment.
    
3. Mechanical Damage
   Electric scooters and e-bikes are subjected to shocks from uneven roads, falls, and collisions. These shocks can damage the internal structure of the battery, which may not cause a fire immediately but could do so later.
    
4. Accidents
   The number of accidents involving electric scooters is rising sharply, causing internal battery damage. Figures show that between 2020 and 2022, the number of accidents with shared scooters in Belgium quadrupled. These accidents can damage the battery, increasing the risk of fire.

Fires in Numbers*

To better understand the frequency of these fires, let's look at statistics from neighboring countries and major cities like New York City:
 

• Netherlands:
  In 2023, around 6% of building fires were attributed to batteries. Of these fires, in one-third of cases, the fire was caused by the battery of an e-bike or e-scooter. This means that approximately 1 in 50 building fires is due to an electric bike or scooter.
   
• New York City:
  In 2022, there were 208 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries from light electric vehicles, resulting in 142 injuries and 6 deaths. Of these fires, 33 occurred while the battery was not charging, highlighting that the risk exists even outside charging. In 2023, this number rose to 253 fires, underscoring the need for better safety measures.

* These figures are based on reported incidents. The actual number of fires is likely higher, as not all fires are officially recorded or reported.

*It is important to emphasize that these figures only pertain to bike and scooter batteries. The total number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries is much higher and occurs daily, for example, with smartphones, laptops, and other devices.

The rise of electric vehicles makes safe use and charging essential. Ask about the right solution for your batteries!

Deel dit bericht: