E-bikes and e-scooters have become one of the leading sources of residential fire deaths in the United States — and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says the lithium-ion batteries powering them can catch fire without warning, spread faster than most people can escape, and burn while the product is not even in use. A fire started by an e-bike battery on the 20th floor of a 37-story New York apartment building injured 43 people — forcing firefighters to rappel down from the roof to reach residents trapped in upper floors. In San Leandro, California, an e-bike battery fire killed a 6-year-old child, their grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Why Lithium Battery Fires Are So Dangerous
Unlike conventional fires, lithium-ion battery fires can start suddenly during charging, during storage, or even when a battery is not connected to anything at all. Once a lithium cell enters thermal runaway — a self-sustaining chain reaction that releases intense heat — the fire cannot be extinguished by conventional means and produces toxic gases. CPSC says these fires have happened at night while families were asleep, giving them no time to escape.
Multiple recent recalls illustrate the scope of the problem:
- Rad Power Bikes batteries (models RP-1304, RAD-S1304Y, and HL-RP-S1304) linked to 31 reported fires causing $734,500 in property damage — some occurring while the battery was in storage and not in use
- FENGQS F7 Pro E-bikes recalled for batteries that overheat and ignite — 9 fires reported including 2 with significant property damage
- Swagtron SG-5 Swagger 5 Boost electric scooters linked to fires including a fire in a Pittsburgh residential building
Safe Charging Rules
- Never charge an e-bike, e-scooter, or hoverboard battery indoors overnight or while you are asleep.
- Never charge these products in a hallway, stairwell, or exit route where a fire could block escape.
- Only use the charger that came with the product or one explicitly recommended by the manufacturer.
- Never use a universal or third-party charger with a micromobility battery.
- Check SaferProducts.gov to verify whether your e-bike or e-scooter battery has been recalled.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
Source: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Micromobility-Information-Center
