E-scooters, E-bikes a burning issue for all of us. Are they a ticking time-bomb?

With the increasing use of lithium-ion batteries within our homes, whether for an e-scooter, bike, power tools or even our mobile phones, we need to ensure we are aware of their risks.

Recently, in Adelaide, a hotel fire was caused by an e-scooter, which caught fire while charging. A 24-year-old woman was charged with recklessly causing damage and spent a few nights in police custody. 

There was an estimated $200,000 worth of damage caused. The fire set off the buildings sprinkler system which accentuated the damage bill from water damage to other properties. Fortunately, no one was injured. 

Earlier this year there was an apartment fire at Bondi, NSW, which was caused by a e-bike battery that was left in a bedroom to charge overnight and ignited. The residents were asleep at the time and had to escape the fire through a window. 

But not all residents have been fortunate. There have been fatalities from exploding batteries, in the most part from inhaling the toxic smoke.

Lithium-ion battery fires are becoming more prevalent globally as we are becoming increasingly reliant on portable electric items within our lives.

Victorian fire authorities are responding to one lithium-ion fire a day, up from one a week last year. This trend is expected to rise exponentially.

Fires are commonly linked to improper charging practices, mechanical damage, or electrical abuse. Fortunately, fires linked to electric vehicles or hybrid cars with a rechargeable battery are rare.

Building managers need to remind their residents of the fire risks and promote safe charging and storage practices.

Owners’ corporations need to regularly review and update their building fire safety procedures to account for the growing presence of lithium-ion batteries within the home.

Owners should also be mindful to ensure their insurance policies are active as damage to your property may have been caused by someone else whom may not be insured (uninsured rental tenants are common in our high-rise community).

We must remain vigilant and not forget that lithium-ion batteries pose a significant fire and toxic smoke risk. •