Electric Bike Fires: Which Models Are Prone To Burning?

Electric bikes are becoming an increasingly popular mode of transport, but there have been a number of reports of them catching fire. This is usually due to the lithium-ion batteries they use, which can experience thermal runaway and cause a short circuit. While battery fires are relatively rare, several people have been killed by electric bikes catching fire in their homes. In the UK, there were 36 incidents in the 12 months between April 2022 and March 2023, and four people were killed in the first three months of 2023 alone. In New York City, there were six such deaths in 2022 and five in the first four months of 2023.

Electric bike fires are often caused by lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries used in electric-assisted bicycles, electric scooters and other light electric vehicles (LeVs) can catch fire due to thermal runaway. This occurs when there is a short circuit inside the battery, usually caused by a manufacturing defect, misuse, or external damage, which releases a large amount of heat inside the battery.

To prevent electric bike fires, it is best to charge your electric-assisted bike outside in a shed or bike public parking area. If charging indoors, avoid overnight charging, charge away from the outlet and unplug the charger after charging.

While electric bike fires are relatively rare, they can have devastating consequences. In addition to the tragic loss of life, property damage can also occur. In 2022, there were 20 fires reported involving electric bikes and 38 for electric scooters in Sweden. This corresponds to 0.003% or 1 in 30,000 e-bikes "on the road" catching fire in that year.

Electric bike fires are rare but can be deadly

Lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes, scooters and other light electric vehicles can catch fire due to thermal runaway. This is when a short circuit occurs as a result of a fault inside the battery, usually caused by a manufacturing defect, misuse or external damage.

In 2022, there were 20 fires reported involving electric bikes and 38 for electric scooters. However, this only corresponds to 0.003% or 1 in 30,000 electric bikes catching fire.

To reduce the risk of fire, it is best to charge electric bikes outside in a shed or public parking area. If charging indoors, avoid overnight charging, charge away from the outlet and unplug the charger after use.

Electric bike fires are more common at night and in homes

While battery fires are relatively rare, several people have been killed by electric bikes catching fire in their homes. A media analysis by Electrical Safety First documented 36 incidents in the UK in the 12 months between April 2022 and March 2023 in which electric bike battery fires resulted in property damage. Of these, 81% occurred at home and half occurred at night. In the first three months of 2023 alone, four people were killed in fires caused by electric bikes in the UK.

To prevent electric bike fires, it is best to charge your electric bike outside in a shed or bike public parking area. If charging indoors, avoid overnight charging, charge away from the outlet, and unplug the charger after charging.

Electric bike fires can be prevented by charging outside or away from the outlet

Electric bike fires are on the rise, with several people killed by electric bikes catching fire in their homes. In the UK, there were 36 incidents in the 12 months between April 2022 and March 2023, and four people were killed in the first three months of 2023 alone. In New York City, there were six such deaths in 2022 and five in the first four months of 2023.

Lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes can catch fire due to thermal runaway. This is when a short circuit occurs due to a fault inside the battery, usually caused by a manufacturing defect, misuse, or external damage.

To prevent electric bike fires, it is best to charge your electric bike outside in a shed or public parking area. If you must charge indoors, avoid charging overnight, charge away from the outlet, and unplug the charger after charging. Charging away from the outlet can help prevent fires as it reduces the risk of a short circuit occurring, which is a common cause of electric bike fires.

By following these simple precautions, you can help keep yourself and your property safe from the dangers of electric bike fires.

Electric bike fires are more common in older models

While battery fires are relatively rare, several people have been killed by electric bikes catching fire in their homes. In the UK, there were 36 incidents in the 12 months between April 2022 and March 2023 in which electric bike or scooter battery fires resulted in property damage. Of these, 81% occurred at home and half occurred at night. In the first three months of 2023 alone, four people were killed in fires caused by electric bikes and scooters in the UK. In New York City, fire officials reported six such deaths in 2022 and five in the first four months of 2023.

Adam Vale Da Serra, manager of Cutting Edge bike shop in Berlin, Conn, says: "The e-bikes people are buying now are probably a lot newer and better technology than some of the older stuff that delivery riders in the city have been using and abusing for years. I’ve heard nothing locally about e-bike fires among mountain bikes and road bikes."

To reduce the risk of an electric bike fire, it is best to charge your bike outside in a shed or bike public parking area. If charging indoors, avoid overnight charging, charge away from the outlet, and unplug the charger after charging.

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