You’ve no doubt seen….
….the recent news stories regarding the increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, particularly those found in e-bikes and e-scooters. In 2023 alone, there were more than 300 fires linked to these batteries in the UK.
Lithium-ion batteries are generally safe during normal use; they power many of the devices we use daily such as mobile phones, laptops, and toothbrushes.
However, they become a fire risk when they overheat, their condition degrades, or they short-circuit. This can cause a “thermal runaway”: a chain reaction resulting in an uncontrollable rise in temperature. Batteries can then ignite or, in some cases, explode, burning at extremely high temperatures and releasing highly toxic smoke.
With insurance companies changing the status of lithium-ion batteries from ‘emerging fire risk’ to ‘recognised risk’, it is now more important than ever that people are aware of the potential dangers, and know how to use, charge, and dispose of them safely.
Thankfully, there are a number of measures you can take to reduce the risks and keep yourself safe.
These include:
- Only using official manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers, and always ensuring they meet UK safety standards
- Letting batteries cool down before charging
- Not leaving batteries on charge overnight, or unattended
- Never charging devices, especially e-scooters, in areas that could block your escape route
- Unplugging your charger after use
- Keeping up-to-date with product recalls
- Storing batteries in cool, well-ventilated areas away from heat sources and flammable materials
- Regularly checking batteries for swelling, over-heating, or any other form of damage
The safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries is also crucial in reducing the number of fires, with a European study warning that up to 78 million batteries will be discarded daily this year.
Check your local authority’s guidance on recycling batteries and electronic devices, or visit Recycle Your Electricals to find your nearest recycling point.
You’ve no doubt seen the recent news stories regarding the increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, particularly those found in e-bikes and e-scooters. In 2023 alone, there were more than 300 fires linked to these batteries in the UK.
Lithium-ion batteries are generally safe during normal use; they power many of the devices we use daily such as mobile phones, laptops, and toothbrushes.
However, they become a fire risk when they overheat, their condition degrades, or they short-circuit. This can cause a “thermal runaway”: a chain reaction resulting in an uncontrollable rise in temperature. Batteries can then ignite or, in some cases, explode, burning at extremely high temperatures and releasing highly toxic smoke.
With insurance companies changing the status of lithium-ion batteries from ‘emerging fire risk’ to ‘recognised risk’, it is now more important than ever that people are aware of the potential dangers, and know how to use, charge, and dispose of them safely.
Thankfully, there are a number of measures you can take to reduce the risks and keep yourself safe.
These include:
- Only using official manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers, and always ensuring they meet UK safety standards
- Letting batteries cool down before charging
- Not leaving batteries on charge overnight, or unattended
- Never charging devices, especially e-scooters, in areas that could block your escape route
- Unplugging your charger after use
- Keeping up-to-date with product recalls
- Storing batteries in cool, well-ventilated areas away from heat sources and flammable materials
- Regularly checking batteries for swelling, over-heating, or any other form of damage
The safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries is also crucial in reducing the number of fires, with a European study warning that up to 78 million batteries will be discarded daily this year.
Check your local authority’s guidance on recycling batteries and electronic devices, or visit Recycle Your Electricals to find your nearest recycling point.