How to avoid being the next victim of an e-scooter fire

Dramatic photos showing the charred remains of e-scooters in the aftermath of fires and explosions have been released, as Queensland firefighters are called to almost one blaze caused by a lithium-ion battery each week.

The latest e-scooter house fire resulted in four people being hospitalised in Ipswich and followed another fire in Darra last week. Last year a man died during a caravan fire believed to have been started by an e-scooter battery.

The remains of an e-scooter after a fire.Credit: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

Over the past six months, Queensland firefighters have been called to 24 house fires linked to lithium-ion batteries, with 48 in 2021-22.

As the popularity of private e-scooters rises, authorities have explained how their owners can avoid falling victim to a fire or explosion.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services fire safety executive manager Mark Halverson urged people to only use the authorised charger for their particular brand of e-scooter, rather than sourcing a cheap one online.

A quick search shows chargers can be bought from online marketplaces for as little as $20.

This e-scooter was damaged after the batteries failed, resulting in an explosion and small fire.Credit: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

“The biggest hazard is using an incorrect charger,” Halverson said.

“While it may fit the device and actually charge it, it could be the wrong voltage, and therefore it causes overheating of the lithium-ion battery.”

People should immediately stop charging an e-scooter if its battery is damaged, blistered, produces a bad smell, changes size or makes strange noises, such as crackling or hissing, Halverson said.

He said people should move the e-scooter outside if it’s safe to do so, but if there is fire or smoke, they should immediately evacuate all residents and call triple zero.

A burnt-out house after a fire involving a lithium-ion battery.Credit: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

Other charging tips include unplugging e-scooters when they’re fully charged, not charging them in direct sunlight or in locations with excessive heat or water, and allowing them to cool down after use before charging.

“Not just e-scooters, but in general, don’t charge any lithium-ion battery device in an area that is in close proximity to other heat sources or combustible materials, such as clothing, bedding, lounges,” Halverson said.

“QFES strongly recommends people charge in an outdoor area that’s away from direct heat.”

Queensland University of Technology senior research fellow Dr Joshua Watts, who is project lead of the National Battery Testing Centre, said e-scooter fires were usually caused during the charging process and could be the result of a poor-quality battery management system.

For example, this could involve failing to unplug the device when fully charged.

“This can cause the battery to heat up, which eventually leads to fire or rupture of the cells as they enter thermal runaway conditions,” Watts said.

DIY projects, including people building their own cell packs, or using a charger with the incorrect voltage can also cause fires.

But Watts said the fire risk was very low with high-quality lithium-ion batteries and good battery management systems.

As revealed by Nine News on Tuesday night, the Queensland government will meet with the United Firefighters Union to discuss the issue.