Lisa Miller Client Service Practice Leader View Bio

In 2022, at least 19 people died in the United States because of fires or overheating incidents related to battery-powered products. In New York City alone, the batteries caused 216 fires, resulting in 147 injuries and six deaths in 2022.

That’s why for 2023, Safety Stand Down focuses on responder safety during incidents involving lithium-ion batteries. Taking place each year during the third full week of June, Safety Stand Down highlights critical safety, health, and survival issues for fire and emergency services personnel.

As a joint initiative of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Fire Protection Association, and the National Volunteer Fire Council, this event focuses on the critical importance of responders taking care of themselves both on and off the emergency incident scene.

Understand why lithium-ion batteries combust, the regulations resulting from these fires, and how to prevent such incidents from occurring.

Why Do Lithium-ion Batteries Combust?

  • Lithium-ion batteries have grown in popularity because they charge faster, last longer, and have a higher power density in a lighter package than traditional battery technology.
  • They are extremely sensitive to high temperatures and inherently flammable.
  • Due to this heat sensitivity, these batteries tend to degrade quickly, potentially resulting in fires that can cause widespread damage, injuries, and even death.
  • In addition, an impact from a crash, improper use, or manufacturing issues could lead to short-circuiting or other failures that may result in the combustion of these batteries.

Regulations

  • While there are currently not many regulations concerning e-bikes, lawmakers and federal regulators in the United States are taking note of the risk lithium-ion batteries pose.
  • Proposed regulations may require devices to be certified under the safety standards recommended by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which has produced safety certifications for electrical products for over a century.
  • In fact, the New York City Council recently passed legislation requiring all e-bikes rented or leased in the city to be certified under the appropriate UL safety standards.
  • Uncertified or used batteries are also banned under local laws. In addition, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission asked more than 2,000 manufacturers, importers, and retailers to voluntarily adhere to UL safety standards, as they significantly reduce the risk of injuries and deaths from micro-mobility device fires.

Prevention

The following can help prevent an e-bike fire from occurring:

  • Never use an off-brand or after-market replacement battery or charger. Cheap, high-voltage options are the cause of many fires.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. When charging, storing, and maintaining an e-bike battery, the manufacturer’s instructions should be adhered to before taking any action or making any decisions.
  • Don’t store e-bike batteries with a full charge. The more charged a battery is, the more fuel there is for the chemical reaction that causes fire.