Firefighters in Torfaen attended a fire yesterday caused by an e-scooter battery on charge.
Crews from Cwmbran and New Inn were called to the house. Following the incident they shared photos of the burned-out scooter and issued advice to owners of e-scooters and e-bikes.
A spokeperson for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “Thankfully, the resident always charged the scooter outside. Due to the risks of lithium-ion battery fires, we urge anyone with an e-scooter/e-bike to read https://bit.ly/ebikes-scoot.”
Fire safety tips
Info from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s website.
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Buy e-bikes, e-scooters and chargers and batteries from reputable retailers.
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Many fires involve counterfeit electrical goods. Items which don’t meet British or European standards pose a huge fire risk and while genuine chargers (or battery packs) may cost more, it’s not worth putting your life at risk and potentially destroying your home by buying a fake charger to save a few pounds.
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If buying an e-bike conversion kit, purchase from a reputable seller and check that it complies with British or European standards. Take particular care if buying from online auction or fulfilment platforms. Also be aware that if buying separate components, you should check that they are compatible.
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Register your product with the manufacturer to validate any warranties – batteries are usually included in warranties. Registering makes it easier for manufacturers to contact you in the event of safety or recall information.
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Check any products you have bought are not subject to a product recall. You can do this by checking Electrical Safety First’s website or the government website.
