Warnings are issued as the number of fires caused by popular vehicles sees an increase.
E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular, but they can also be a fire risk if not used, stored and charged properly.
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue have issued safety advice about the use of electric scooters and bikes.
Across the country, hundreds of fires have now involved these types of vehicles, mostly in people’s homes.
Dan Moss, area manager for prevention and protection at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said:
“Although we have thankfully only seen a small number of incidents in Lincolnshire, a recent tragic fatal fire in Kings Hedges Cambridgeshire, is believed to have been started by an e-bike.
“Most are powered by lithium-ion batteries which can be charged in the home. However if safety guidance is not followed, these can overheat. If batteries are accidentally damaged they also pose a fire risk.”
Because of their size, e-bikes and e-scooters are often left to charge in areas such as hallways and stairwells, blocking emergency escape routes and causing a further risk.
It is important when charging and storing e-bikes and e-scooters, you do so safely.
Top fire safety tips:
- avoid charging e-bikes and e-scooters indoors.
- avoid storing or charging them in communal areas in shared buildings.
- charge batteries whilst you are awake and alert - never charge them overnight or while you are away from home.
- avoid charging near combustible or flammable materials.
- batteries can get warm during their use. Allow them to cool down before attempting to re-charge.always use a manufacturer-approved charger for the product and carefully follow the instructions.
- unplug the charger when you have finished using it.
- check your battery regularly for any signs of damage.
- do not overcharge your battery. Check the instructions for charge times.
- have working smoke alarms. If you charge or store your e-bike or e-scooter in a garage or kitchen ensure you install the correct detection equipment. We recommend heat alarms rather than smoke detectors for these areas.
- if you need to dispose of a battery, don’t put it in your household waste. Take it to a Household Waste Recycling Centre or battery disposal point.
Where can you use them?
Electric bicycles can be used safely and appropriately on the roads. Electric scooters, whilst legal to own, are currently illegal to use on public roads and pavements. At present they may only be legally used on private land and with the landowner’s permission.
E-bikes are a versatile and economical mode of transport and can be ridden in the same way as a manual pedal cycle on the road, but it is important to note, that helmets should always be worn when in use. Regular checks and maintenance of electric bikes is highly recommended.