Electric scooters have become a popular choice for commuting and recreation, and while it’s easy to find information on general scooter safety—such as safe riding practices, essential safety equipment, and tips—there's not a lot of information on battery fires, despite being a significant hazard. It even seems like companies are trying to hide it.
This guide is not aimed to minimize or hide the facts, but rather aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive breakdown of electric scooter battery fires, covering prevention strategies for riders, common causes, and relevant data on reported incidents.
What Causes Battery Fires in E-Scooters?
To understand how to prevent electric scooter fires, it's essential to first know why they occur. While there could be many reasons, the primary cause of battery fires in e-scooters is battery malfunction; this in turn can be caused by multiple things:
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Overcharging or improper charging: Leaving the scooter plugged in too long is a hazard of its own, but the risk increases when using non-original chargers, especially if they have the incorrect voltage for the scooter.
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Physical damage: This can result from previous impacts or crashes, improper handling, or even rust if the scooter was left unattended or in a moist environment - all of this can cause short circuits, sparks, and ultimate fire.
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Exposure to extreme temperatures: Both extreme heat and cold can negatively affect battery performance and safety.
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Poor battery design or lack of safety features: To ensure you’re getting good quality batteries, look for the battery certifications (UL) or reputable battery brands.
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Use of uncertified or low-cost replacement batteries: Batteries have a determined lifespan, replacing the original batteries with cheap, non-certified batteries is not recommended.
When damaged or poorly managed, lithium-ion batteries can experience thermal runaway, a condition where internal temperatures rise uncontrollably, potentially leading to overheating, smoke, or even fire.
Can you prevent an electric scooter battery fire?
Recognizing potential battery issues in your e-scooter is crucial for safety. While not always obvious, certain indicators suggest a battery may be at risk of catching fire. Here are the warning signs:
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Swelling or Bulging Battery Casing: This is a clear sign of an abnormal internal reaction within the battery.
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Burning or Chemical Odor: A distinct smell while charging or riding can indicate a problem.
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Unusual Heat: While some warmth is normal, be attentive to the general temperature of your battery. Overheating is a serious concern. (Fun fact: Apollo App compatible scooters display battery temperature directly. Our BMS can even decelerate the scooter in extreme heat, like during Ludo mode or steep inclines, to prevent overheating. This feature is active only when the scooter is on and connected.)
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Flickering Display or Unresponsive Controls: These can signal a short circuit, a potential fire hazard.
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Inconsistent Charging Behavior: This can damage the scooter and should be addressed.
IMPORTANT: If you notice any of these signs, stop using the scooter immediately and contact the manufacturer.
Best Charging Practices to Prevent Battery Overheating
Following safe scooter charging practices is one of the ways to reduce the risk of a battery fire:
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Only use the charger that came with your e-scooter.
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Plug your charger directly into a wall outlet—avoid extension cords or power strips.
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Never charge your scooter unattended or overnight.
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Charge on a hard, flat, non-flammable surface (not on a couch, carpet, or bed).
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Unplug once fully charged to avoid battery overheating.
How to Safely Store Your Scooter Indoors and Outdoors
Battery storage matters just as much as charging:
We recommend to always store your scooter in a covered area, where water can’t get into the scooter:
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Store in a cool, dry place, away from flammable materials.
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Avoid rooms with extreme humidity or heat (e.g., bathrooms, kitchens).
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Keep away from direct sunlight.
Fireproof battery storage bags or boxes can be a worthwhile investment, especially for high-performance scooters, or when stored for long periods of time without supervision (if you leave the scooter in a summer cottage or a place where you wouldn’t be able to catch and stop the fire in time).
What to Do If You Suspect a Battery Malfunction
If you believe your battery is no longer working properly, If you suspect a battery issue:
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Power off the scooter.
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Unplug it immediately if it’s charging.
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Move it away from flammable items and to a well-ventilated area.
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Do not attempt to open or repair the battery yourself—contact your scooter’s support center or a certified technician.
Certified Batteries and Why They Matter
For effective fire prevention, it is crucial to use scooters with UL-certified batteries, specifically UL 2271 or UL 2272. These certifications confirm that the batteries adhere to rigorous safety standards, encompassing thermal protection, overcurrent protection, and chemical stability. Although not yet globally mandated, UL certification is increasingly being incorporated into local regulations. New York, for example, was an early adopter, making UL-certified batteries compulsory for electric mobility devices. This regulation was enacted following a surge in battery fire-related injuries and fatalities: 200 injuries were reported in 2022, escalating to 268 in 2023, which prompted the implementation of the UL regulation.
Are Apollo Scooters Built to Prevent Battery Fires?
At Apollo Scooters, we prioritize safety. Our latest models are UL certified, ensuring the highest quality standards and significantly reducing the risk of battery-related fires. While no battery is entirely fire-proof, especially if misused, we've implemented additional features to minimize this risk:
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Integrated Battery Management Systems (BMS): Available in all app-compatible Apollo scooters (2022 models and newer), these systems prevent overheating and allow riders to monitor battery temperature.
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Fire Retardant Gel (Coreshield): Our newest innovation, currently integrated into the Apollo Phantom 2.0, this gel within the battery casing helps prevent or delay fires caused by battery malfunction. We anticipate integrating this technology into other Apollo scooter models in the future.
Despite these advanced safety measures, it's crucial to maintain precautions, as these features do not entirely eliminate the possibility of a fire.
Final Thoughts: Smart Ownership, Safer Rides
While scooter fires can't be entirely prevented, you can significantly minimize the risk. This involves understanding the causes of fires, practicing safe charging and battery storage, and choosing quality, UL-certified equipment like Apollo scooters. Through informed use and proper care, you can drastically reduce the risks.
E-Scooter Battery Fire Frequently Asked Questions
Can an electric scooter battery catch fire?
Yes, if not properly stored or used, electric scooter batteries can catch fire, but it’s actually rare. Fires are typically caused by misuse, low-quality batteries, or poor charging habits.
What should I do if my e-scooter battery overheats?
Immediately cease using the scooter. If it's charging, unplug it. Relocate the scooter to a safe area, away from any flammable materials or living beings. Promptly contact your manufacturer or a service center, or depending on the situation, call the fire department.
Why do lithium-ion batteries catch fire?
Catching fire is not unique to lithium-ion batteries, but these are the most used type of batteries in electric scooters today. Batteries store high energy in a compact space. If damaged or mismanaged, they can enter thermal runaway, which may lead to a battery fire.
How do I know if my scooter battery is safe?
Though battery fires can occur for various reasons, a UL-certified battery significantly reduces the risk of combustion by ensuring quality. Always monitor for unusual heat or swelling, and adhere to manufacturer guidelines.
Are there fireproof battery storage options?
Yes—fireproof bags or boxes are available and recommended for added protection, in some locations, it’s required by law when storing multiple batteries in one single location. Check your local regulations.
