E-scooters are great for zipping around here, there and everywhere, but did you know they are a potential fire hazard?
According to the West Midlands Fire Service, the number of e-scooter and e-bike fires has doubled in recent years.
Why do e-scooters catch fire?
E-scooters and e-bikes are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. That’s the same type of battery that’s in your mobile phone.
Like all rechargeable devices, e-scooters need charging, but this is when the batteries can potentially set on fire.
What can you do to help prevent e-scooter fires?
Follow these handy dos and don’ts:
DO:
- Charge your battery for the recommended time based on the manufacturer’s guidance
- Follow the manufacturer’s advice on maintaining and taking care of your e-scooter
- Make sure it is fitted with a manufacturer-approved battery – cheaper or damaged batteries can be dangerous and start fires
- Let the battery fully cool down before charging it
- Store the battery correctly – as recommended by the manufacturer
- Check your battery regularly and replace it in line with the manufacturer’s guidance
- Avoid buying a second-hand e-scooter
DON’T
- Use any other charger other than the original charger – or if it looks faulty, for example, frayed, visible or loose wires
- Charge your e-scooter in communal areas - this is a fire hazard and dangerous for you and your neighbours
- Plug your e-scooter in somewhere where there isn’t a working smoke alarm
- Leave your charging e-scooter unattended
- Park your charging e-scooter near any combustible of flammable materials or in escape routes or communal doorways
- Buy an e-scooter from a cheap and unreputable retailer
- Forget to insure your e-scooter (link to https://www.midlandheart.org.uk/my-home/keeping-my-home-safe/home-contents-insurance/)
How do I know if the electrical items I’m buying are safe?
Second-hand items cost less, but you can’t be sure if they are genuine, what condition they are really in and how long they are going to last. They don’t always come with the manufacturer’s guidance or a guarantee either.
Always buy your electrical goods from approved retailers, such as well-known shops and department stores. And if you want to find the best deal, use comparison sites to find the right price.
For further practical advice on making safe electrical purchases, check out this article, ‘Buying electrical items safely.’
For more e-scooter safety guidance, read Electrical Safety First’s tips.
