August 15th 2023.
Research has shown that many e-bike and e-scooter owners are using incompatible chargers to power their devices, and this could run the risk of potentially devastating fires. A survey of 1,000 e-bike and e-scooter owners across the UK found that 43% of those use a secondary after-market charger, and of those, over 1 in 3 say that their charger is not compatible with the voltage of the battery, while 1 in 5 don’t know.
The findings from the charity Electrical Safety First have prompted the organisation to call for a ban on universal chargers for e-bike and e-scooter batteries. Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, said: “Incorrectly charging your e-bike or e-scooter battery comes at a dangerous cost. Due to the large amount of energy stored in these batteries, the risk of fire is significantly higher if the battery becomes unstable.”
When an incompatible charger is used, it can supply the battery with too much voltage, damaging the cells and causing a catastrophic process called thermal runaway. This can result in ferocious fires which can destroy a room in minutes. To help prevent this, the charity is encouraging users to use the charger that came with the device, and never block any exit ways when charging.
The charity has released a new report, Battery Breakdown, looking at ways to stem the spate of deadly fires across the country that have been caused by e-bike and e-scooter batteries. As part of this, they released a video which simulates an overcharge situation, showcasing the dangers of an incompatible charger. Toxic white smoke can be seen pouring from the battery at first, and seconds later, sparks and flames erupt from the battery, quickly consuming it in flames due to the huge amount of energy being released.
Research also showed that many e-bike and e-scooter owners are charging their devices in areas that risk compromising escape routes. More than half of those surveyed said they charge their device overnight when they are sleeping, which could leave them with little time to respond in the event of a fire. The charity therefore recommends charging devices away from vital exit ways, and for some, an outhouse may be the safest alternative.
The charity is also calling for clearer markings to be put on the outlets of batteries to specify what voltage a charger should be, and for e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries to be regulated in the same way as fireworks currently are. The report includes an account from Scott Angus, who was forced to jump from the second-floor window with his partner and dog after a neighbour’s e-bike burst into flames in the communal hallway, blocking their escape route.
It’s essential that users understand the potential risks of using an incompatible charger, and take the necessary precautions to ensure their own safety. As Mr Angus said, “If that smoke had got inside our flat any sooner, I probably wouldn’t be here.”
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