November 22, 2023
Last month we looked at the insurance risk around commercial electric vehicle charging points, which hinged for the most part on the hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries, and the dangers that arise when charging them when they are defective.
This time around, we are exploring the much publicised risks around charging e-bikes and e-scooters at home.
E-scooter and e-bike usage is on the rise. These methods of travel are powered by lithium-ion batteries. Whilst these batteries are used safely by millions of people every day, problems can arise when the manufacturer’s instructions for charging them are not followed, or when the batteries are damaged, over-charged or exposed to extreme temperatures.
In 2022, the London Fire Brigade attended 116 fires involving e-scooters and bikes. The majority of these fires happened in homes, and were most often caused when charging batteries.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said, “It’s incredibly concerning that we’re continuing to witness a rise in incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters. When lithium-ion batteries and their chargers fail, they do so with ferocity and, due to the fact that the resultant fires develop so rapidly, the situation can quickly become one that’s incredibly serious in nature.”
Insurance risk
From an insurance point of view, if you own an e-scooter or e-bike, it is important to check what cover you have should something go wrong. There are a few specialist e-scooter or bike insurance policies available, but if you are relying on your home or contents insurance policy, it is vital that you check the wording very carefully.
Every policy is different, and terms, definitions and exclusions will vary. And if laws around e-bikes and scooters change, then insurance policies will likely change with them. But for now, if you are unsure as to what you are and are not covered for should an incident occur, it is advisable to speak to your broker or insurer to confirm what cover you have in place.
It is also vital to be aware of the risks involved with e-scooters and bikes, and the safety measures that need to be followed in order to protect your home from fire.
What are the recommended safety procedures for charging e-scooters and bikes?
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) advises that modifying or tampering with a lithium-ion battery is a complete no-go. They also warn that:
- Batteries are liable to becoming warm during use, so they should be allowed to cool before charging.
- Batteries should always be charged on hard, flat surfaces to allow heat to dissipate.
- Batteries are particularly hazardous when they have been damaged.
- Batteries should never be exposed to extremes of temperature.
LFB also strongly advises that the manufacturer’s instructions for charging should be followed to the letter, and that batteries should never be left charging unattended. They are also quite clear on the fact that chargers should be unplugged as soon as charging is finished, and that the correct charger should be used for the batteries, with any replacement purchased from a reputable seller.
It is also recommended that fire escape routes are not blocked by e-bikes or scooters, and that they should be stored and charged somewhere away from a main through-route or exit, for example a hallway. There should also be an escape plan in place in the event of a fire.
Chargers or battery packs should never be covered when charging, and it is vital not to overload sockets or use inappropriate extension leads.
Fire England recommends that smoke alarms are fitted in the area where lithium-ion batteries are charged, and that they are regularly tested.
What are the warning signs that an e-bike or scooter battery is a fire hazard?
Before a lithium-ion battery catches fire, there are often warning signs that it is about to fail. Fires can develop within seconds. The formation of white smoke or a white vapour cloud could indicate battery failure and fire, and it is vital to stop using or charging a battery immediately if you notice anything like this.
Other warning signs to look out for include:
Overheating – if the battery feels hot to the touch, remove the power source immediately.
Deformation – if the battery has changed shape or is bulging or leaking, this could indicate a fire hazard.
Noise – a battery making cracking or hissing sounds is highly likely a fire hazard.
Smell – any unusual smell coming from the battery is another warning sign.
Performance – if the battery doesn’t charge completely or takes longer to charge than usual, take this as a potential developing hazard.
What to do if your lithium-ion battery is a fire hazard?
If your e-bike or e-scooter starts smoking or catches fire, the Fire Brigade advises that you must raise the alarm, get out and stay out and call 999 immediately.
If a battery is showing signs of failure, turn off the device and unplug it from the power source without delay. Contact the device manufacturer or retailer for further advice.
Always report faulty chargers or batteries to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, which can also provide advice on consumer rights.
Team RG – here to help
If you own an e-scooter or e-bike and are concerned as to whether your current home insurance will cover you for losses caused by lithium-ion battery-related incidents, please do speak to your regular contact at Robert Gerrard who will provide full clarity on your position.
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Last month we looked at the insurance risk around commercial electric vehicle charging points, which hinged for the most part on the hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries, and the dangers that arise when charging them when they are defective.
This time around, we are exploring the much publicised risks around charging e-bikes and e-scooters at home.
E-scooter and e-bike usage is on the rise. These methods of travel are powered by lithium-ion batteries. Whilst these batteries are used safely by millions of people every day, problems can arise when the manufacturer’s instructions for charging them are not followed, or when the batteries are damaged, over-charged or exposed to extreme temperatures.
In 2022, the London Fire Brigade attended 116 fires involving e-scooters and bikes. The majority of these fires happened in homes, and were most often caused when charging batteries.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said, “It’s incredibly concerning that we’re continuing to witness a rise in incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters. When lithium-ion batteries and their chargers fail, they do so with ferocity and, due to the fact that the resultant fires develop so rapidly, the situation can quickly become one that’s incredibly serious in nature.”
Insurance risk
From an insurance point of view, if you own an e-scooter or e-bike, it is important to check what cover you have should something go wrong. There are a few specialist e-scooter or bike insurance policies available, but if you are relying on your home or contents insurance policy, it is vital that you check the wording very carefully.
Every policy is different, and terms, definitions and exclusions will vary. And if laws around e-bikes and scooters change, then insurance policies will likely change with them. But for now, if you are unsure as to what you are and are not covered for should an incident occur, it is advisable to speak to your broker or insurer to confirm what cover you have in place.
It is also vital to be aware of the risks involved with e-scooters and bikes, and the safety measures that need to be followed in order to protect your home from fire.
What are the recommended safety procedures for charging e-scooters and bikes?
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) advises that modifying or tampering with a lithium-ion battery is a complete no-go. They also warn that:
- Batteries are liable to becoming warm during use, so they should be allowed to cool before charging.
- Batteries should always be charged on hard, flat surfaces to allow heat to dissipate.
- Batteries are particularly hazardous when they have been damaged.
- Batteries should never be exposed to extremes of temperature.
LFB also strongly advises that the manufacturer’s instructions for charging should be followed to the letter, and that batteries should never be left charging unattended. They are also quite clear on the fact that chargers should be unplugged as soon as charging is finished, and that the correct charger should be used for the batteries, with any replacement purchased from a reputable seller.
It is also recommended that fire escape routes are not blocked by e-bikes or scooters, and that they should be stored and charged somewhere away from a main through-route or exit, for example a hallway. There should also be an escape plan in place in the event of a fire.
Chargers or battery packs should never be covered when charging, and it is vital not to overload sockets or use inappropriate extension leads.
Fire England recommends that smoke alarms are fitted in the area where lithium-ion batteries are charged, and that they are regularly tested.
What are the warning signs that an e-bike or scooter battery is a fire hazard?
Before a lithium-ion battery catches fire, there are often warning signs that it is about to fail. Fires can develop within seconds. The formation of white smoke or a white vapour cloud could indicate battery failure and fire, and it is vital to stop using or charging a battery immediately if you notice anything like this.
Other warning signs to look out for include:
Overheating – if the battery feels hot to the touch, remove the power source immediately.
Deformation – if the battery has changed shape or is bulging or leaking, this could indicate a fire hazard.
Noise – a battery making cracking or hissing sounds is highly likely a fire hazard.
Smell – any unusual smell coming from the battery is another warning sign.
Performance – if the battery doesn’t charge completely or takes longer to charge than usual, take this as a potential developing hazard.
What to do if your lithium-ion battery is a fire hazard?
If your e-bike or e-scooter starts smoking or catches fire, the Fire Brigade advises that you must raise the alarm, get out and stay out and call 999 immediately.
If a battery is showing signs of failure, turn off the device and unplug it from the power source without delay. Contact the device manufacturer or retailer for further advice.
Always report faulty chargers or batteries to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, which can also provide advice on consumer rights.
Team RG – here to help
If you own an e-scooter or e-bike and are concerned as to whether your current home insurance will cover you for losses caused by lithium-ion battery-related incidents, please do speak to your regular contact at Robert Gerrard who will provide full clarity on your position.