华体会

Micro-mobility devices such as e-scooters, e-bikes, e-mopeds and hoverboards have become increasingly popular over the last several years. These devices are generally powered by lithium-ion batteries, and if not used and handled correctly can be a source of significant fire, explosion and personal injury. In 2023, there were 268 known micro-mobility device fires with 150 injuries and 18 deaths in New York City alone.¹ This statistic highlights the dangers of lithium-ion battery-powered devices and the importance of their proper care, maintenance and storage.

Lithium-ion battery fire hazards

Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small amount of space. The dangers of these batteries are that they can overheat, or go into what is known as thermal runaway鈥攁 condition where the batteries become hot and release toxic and flammable gases. These gases can be easily ignited which can result in fire and/or explosion. A battery that is in thermal runaway or a battery that is on fire is extremely difficult to extinguish and can take several hours to fully put out. Re-ignition is also possible in some cases. 

While there is no way to predict if or when thermal runaway will happen, the following factors can increase the likelihood of thermal runaway of a battery:

• Faulty charging equipment, improper charging practices and overloaded electrical circuits
• Use of unregulated knockoff parts, including batteries and chargers which are flooding the market
• Charging the batteries with adapters that did not come from the device manufacturer
• Overcharging batteries
• Exposing batteries to extreme temperatures (below 32掳F or above 100掳F)
• Storing batteries in direct sunlight or hot vehicles
• Continuing to use batteries that have been damaged in some way
   

Best practices for mitigating fire hazards in micro-mobility devices 

The unpredictability of a fire involving lithium-ion batteries highlights the vigilance needed to ensure safe-use practices. With that in mind, the following precautions should be taken to mitigate the fire risk:

• Only use the charging cord that came with the equipment.
• Never charge a device unattended and do not over-charge the device.
• Do not use damaged batteries.
• Keep batteries at room temperature and away from ignition sources.
• Use only UL-listed batteries and devices.
• Never use a refurbished or 鈥渉omemade鈥� battery.

Guidelines and best practices for business owners, landlords and school officials

If your professional responsibility includes the protection of property and mitigating risk to personal injury and fatalities, the following guidelines and best practices should be followed at your location:

• Educate staff, residents and students on the fire hazards and mitigation practices mentioned in this document.
• Regulate the use of micro-mobility devices on your property through signage, policies and routine inspections of the premises.
• Charging indoors should only be permitted in dedicated areas that have the following controls:
  • In a dedicated temperature-controlled room with sufficient mechanical or natural ventilation to prevent the accumulation of any flammable or toxic gases that may be discharged during normal operations.
  • The room has the proper number of receptacles and an adequate electrical supply. Power strips or extension cords should not be permitted.
  • The room is not used for storage of other combustible materials or waste.
  • The room is separated from other areas of the building by a 1-hour fire-resistance barrier including walls and ceiling assembly.
  • The room has a centrally monitored smoke detection system.
  • The room is sprinkler-protected.
  • The room is provided with an ABC fire extinguisher.
• If a dedicated outdoor charging area is provided, the following controls should be in place:
  • Do not allow charging near exits or other pedestrian paths.
  • Never allow use of power strips or extension cords for charging.
  • Allow for adequate natural ventilation to prevent the accumulation of any flammable or toxic gases that may be discharged during normal operations.
  • The area should be equipped with an ABC fire extinguisher.
• Never allow repair or modification of the devices and/or batteries on your property.
• Communicate your lithium-ion battery exposure to the fire department so they can formulate a plan of action in case of a fire at your facility.

Life safety and personal injury hazards and controls

Lithium-ion batteries that are in thermal runaway or on fire pose a significant risk to a person鈥檚 health. While in these conditions, toxic gases and intense flames are emitted from the battery pack. For this reason, the following guidelines should be followed to reduce the risk of significant injury:

• Never charge a device in an egress path or near an exit.
• If a battery is on fire, call 911 immediately.
• Do not try and move the battery.
• Immediately leave the area.

Safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries

Due to the increased likelihood of fire from damaged batteries, disposal becomes challenging. Fires from improperly disposed batteries can occur inside a building, during transport or at landfills. Fires that were thought to be put out can, and often do, re-ignite.  To properly dispose of batteries, the following precautions should be taken:

• Never dispose of a battery in regular garbage or recycling bins.
• Keep disposed and/or damaged batteries outside and away from any structures/vehicles.
• Take the batteries to a local recycler that accepts lithium-ion batteries for proper disposal.  

Source:

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This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. 华体会 Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (鈥溁寤徕€�) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, 华体会 does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.