AXA UK warns of serious fire risk of lithium batteries in e-bikes and scooters

Improper storage and damage to the lithium-ion batteries in electric bikes and scooters can result in devastating firesAXA has covered almost half a million pounds of losses over the last two months on fires caused by lithium batteriesNot leaving the battery charging overnight and ensuring they are not exposed to extreme temperatures can reduce the risk of fire

AXA UK has warned of the growing fire risks associated with the lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes and scooters. Lithium-ion batteries pose a significant fire risk when damaged, over-charged or exposed to extreme temperatures. Over the past two months, AXA has covered almost half a million pounds of losses on two large claims caused by lithium battery fires.

It is expected that the frequency and cost of these fires are likely to grow exponentially as transport via e-bikes and e-scooters becomes more popular. AXA’s claims data show that these fires most frequently occur within residential buildings where the associated damage can be devastating. One of the recent large claims was the result of a faulty e-scooter battery which was being charged in the kitchen of a ground floor terrace flat. An explosion occurred and fire spread through the home, reaching two storeys above. The second occurred in a block of flats where an e-bike battery was being charged. The fire totally destroyed the flat and caused smoke damage to the flats on either side. Thankfully, nobody was injured in either incident.

To reduce the risk of lithium battery fires, AXA recommends:

Never leave batteries charging in a building that is unattended or overnight when you are sleeping in the propertyUnplug or disconnect from the battery once charging is completeDo not allow the battery to overheat and ensure it is charged on a hard surface where heat can disperseMonitor and assess for damage to the battery and the charger, following the manufacturer’s guidance for replacement or repairsEnsure smoke alarms – preferably interlinked detectors around the property – are fitted where charging is taking place and, if possible, store and charge away from main living

As well as the increasing danger of fire in residential properties, AXA is also alerting commercial businesses, such as shopping centres, retailers and e-bike and scooter storage and repair facilities, about the risks posed by these batteries. These businesses must ensure they have put in place reasonable precautions, reviewed and updated existing fire risk assessments and purchased specific fire extinguishers designed for use on fires involving lithium batteries.

“Fire safety should be the top priority when it comes to charging and storing electric bikes and scooters. These forms of transport are becoming increasingly common due to the range of benefits they provide, however, this makes it even more essential that people understand the risks around storing them in the wrong way or using damaged batteries.

As an insurer, we’re there for people when the worst happens, but we want to make sure these risks are managed and reduced so they can avoid the devastating consequences of a fire in their homes or business.” – Dougie Barnett, Director of Customer Risk Management at AXA Commercial (pictured).

“It’s incredibly concerning that we are continuing to see a rise in incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters. When these batteries and chargers fail, they do so with ferocity and because the fires develop so rapidly the situation can quickly become incredibly serious.

Our advice is to try and store and charge e-bikes and e-scooters in a safe location if possible, such as in a shed or garage, and if they have to be stored inside, make sure there is smoke detection fitted and your means of escape is not obstructed. However, we know this won’t be possible for everyone, so if you are charging them indoors, please follow our advice on using safe charging and ensure everyone in your home knows what to do in the event of a fire.” – London Fire Brigade spokesperson

Authored by AXA UK