FRNSW urges people to not modify their e-scooters after four explosions in Sydney

An explosion involving an e-scooter battery that injured a man has illustrated a “real concern” firefighters have about the motorised devices.

Firefighters are urging people not to modify their e-scooters after a man was injured when his device’s battery exploded because it was on the wrong charger.

Fire and Rescue NSW responded to reports an e-scooter battery exploded at a home on Yalta St, Sadlier, in Sydney’s southwest, about 7.40am on Thursday.

Emergency services were told windows were breaking and there was a fire at the property.

FRNSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said two people were nearby the battery when it exploded, with one man experiencing burns, smoke inhalation and injuries caused by shrapnel.

A man has been injured in an e-scooter explosion. Picture: 7News

Crews extinguished the blaze and provided medical treatment to two men until paramedics arrived.

Paramedics treated a man at the scene, but he declined to be taken to hospital.

Superintendent Dewberry said firefighters attended four call-outs from 9pm on Wednesday because of e-scooter fires, with two of the fires caused by an e-scooter having been modified or using the wrong battery charger.

One fire in Granville overnight was caused because a man had made his own battery for his e-scooter.

There have been 11 battery-related fires across NSW since Sunday.

A fire in Granville overnight was caused because a man had made his own battery for his e-scooter. Photo: Supplied

“That’s a real concern, they’re regulating these things better now, which is great, but people are still repairing and modifying them,” Superintendent Dewberry said.

“People are not only trying to repair mix and match devices e-bikes and e-scooters, but they’re also making their own batteries.

“It’s so extremely dangerous.”

Superintendent Dewberry said it’s a “real concern” for firefighters, as they’re regularly called out to e-bikes and e-scooters catching on fire even when in use.

Originally published as FRNSW urges people to not modify their e-scooters after four explosions in Sydney