Lithium-ion batteries are the rechargeable batteries found in a wide range of electrical items, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, mobile phones and laptops.
They pose a particular risk when charging, so it is important to know how to use them safely.
Lithium-ion batteries are the rechargeable batteries found in a wide range of electrical items, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, mobile phones and laptops.
They pose a particular risk when charging, so it is important to know how to use them safely.
In recent years, the number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries has rapidly increased. In the last three years, over 70% of these incidents involved a charger. Follow the advice below to reduce your fire risk.
Always use a charger supplied with the device or recommended by the manufacturer.
Charge the device on a flat, solid and stable surface.
Only charge the device for the recommended charging time and don’t leave unattended – e.g. overnight while you’re asleep, or if you go out.
Keep the device away from flammable materials when charging.
Never charge lithium-ion batteries on your escape route. If possible, charge and store them away from your living areas.
Avoid storing, using, or charging batteries at very high or low temperatures.
If the device has not been used for quite some time, be extra careful when you charge it – lithium-ion batteries don’t like being discharged to a very low voltage.
Protect batteries against being damaged – that’s crushed, punctured, or immersed in water. Do not use if it looks physically damaged.
These batteries are safe during normal use, but present a fire risk when over-charged, short-circuited, submerged in water or damaged. They are a main cause of waste fires, and can be extremely dangerous when thrown away with general rubbish, or mixed with other recyclable materials like card, metals and plastics.
Batteries can be damaged by dropping them or crashing e-bikes or e-scooters. Check your battery regularly for any signs of damage and if you suspect it is, it should be replaced and should not be used or charged. Where the battery is damaged, it can overheat and catch fire without warning. These fires quickly spread and are difficult to extinguish, causing widespread damage.
Whether you’re cruising around on an e-scooter or e-bike, it’s no secret that it’s an easy, fuss-free way to get from A to B. While we know they are increasingly popular, it is important that when charging e-bikes and e-scooters, you do so safely to avoid a risk of a fire in your home.
Enjoy and ride your e-bike or e-scooter safely and ensure you are using these products within the law. Further information can be found here https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules and here for e-scooters.
You can find your local recycling centre here.