Electric scooters are now a mode of transportation integrated into our daily lives. However, like many other means of transport, it is not uncommon for electric scooters to be defective, which can make them very dangerous. Numerous domestic fires have already occurred due to these defects, yet it is not impossible to prevent them! Weebot explains everything to you.
Could the danger come from Lithium-ion batteries?
According to scientists, this is a very likely hypothesis. When Lithium-ion batteries are used excessively (such as overcharging, short circuits, exposure to an external heat source, etc.), they can easily cause sudden temperature increases. These can themselves lead to fires or, in the worst cases, explosions.
Note that this phenomenon can potentially occur regardless of the condition of your electric scooter’s battery, whether it is plugged in or not. However, this risk is multiplied during battery overcharging. The more charged your electric scooter’s battery is, the more powerful the fire will be.
What causes an electric scooter fire?
Lithium-ion batteries tend to catch fire during improper charging or overcharging, excessive battery use, a defect in your vehicle’s electric battery, or a shock to the battery.
Thus, all products equipped with a lithium-ion battery that fall into one of the categories mentioned above can be a potential danger to you. This includes electric scooters but also hoverboards and electric bikes. Indeed, electric vehicles tend to damage their components over the long term, such as their battery, and consequently catch fire more easily. Note that if you choose a high-end electric scooter, you have an advanced battery management system that monitors the battery’s voltage and temperature. These BMS also cause your vehicle to stop in case of overheating.
Some fires can be caused by improper use of your electric scooter’s charger. Indeed, it is not uncommon for some users to recharge their scooters using power strips, which causes a short circuit and thus a fire.
However, not everything depends on your use; it is also possible that your scooter is more likely to catch fire due to a manufacturing defect or poor-quality electrical components. These may not comply with the standards required for market release or may lack waterproofing or water infiltration protection, which could damage the vehicle, for example.
How to prevent an electric scooter battery from catching fire?
You understand now that an electric scooter catching fire is not a rare phenomenon. It can happen to many people depending on how you treat your vehicle and if you let it overheat. To avoid such accidents, there are some habits to adopt. These will allow you to use your vehicle safely while preserving it longer. Here are our tips to prevent your scooter from catching fire:
- Let your scooter cool down between each trip, whether long or short, before charging it directly.
- Do not leave your electric vehicle in an environment that is too hot or too cold.
- Use the charger provided by the manufacturer to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle and prefer plugging into a device with a grounded outlet if possible.
- Never leave your electric vehicle charging for too long without supervision.
- It is best to remove all flammable objects near your electric scooter.
- You can have your electrical installations checked by a qualified professional to ensure no fire will be generated.
- To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is recommended to install your electric scooter near a smoke detector. If you keep it in a parking area, you can also place it near a smoke detector equipped with a sprinkler function that sprays the area in case of fire.
- Do not exceed the maximum charging currents. Indeed, it is also recommended to unplug your electric scooter once the battery is fully charged to avoid overcharging.
- We recommend not using power strips to supply chargers.
- If your electric scooter has suffered a significant shock, you must have it checked by a professional. You can contact our after-sales service or visit our Weebot Service Centers.
Note that currently many manufacturers are working to find an alternative to current batteries. To achieve this, they offer their customers new variants of the Lithium-ion batteries we know, which tend to be less prone to catching fire, such as lithium iron phosphate batteries.
Electric scooter fire: what to do?
Despite all these precautions, know that zero risk does not exist. Unfortunately, you are not immune to your vehicle overheating, which could cause a fire despite your efforts. Therefore, it is essential that you are prepared to stop a possible fire outbreak. To do this, you must adopt certain reflexes depending on the situation you are in. Weebot tells you more:
1- You smell an unpleasant odor coming from your electric scooter
A burning smell coming from your electric scooter may indicate overheating or even the start of a fire. You can clean your battery to reduce risks, but we recommend unplugging all power sources first. Even if you do not see flames on your vehicle, it is best to leave it in an isolated place and not use it for a while. Finally, if you have a fire extinguisher, we recommend keeping it nearby in case of a possible fire outbreak.
2- Your electric scooter catches fire
If a fire breaks out, you must immediately call the fire department. As explained above, we recommend unplugging all power sources from your electric scooter. You must not move your vehicle under any circumstances because burning components are often projected and could seriously injure you. Do not act without the support of firefighters; therefore, we recommend not spraying water on your electric vehicle. However, as explained above, if you have a fire extinguisher nearby, try to use it without putting yourself in danger. Ideally, it is best to leave the room, closing the door behind you to avoid inhaling the toxic fumes emitted by your electric scooter.
3- What to do after the firefighters’ intervention?
After the firefighters leave, it is best to ventilate the room to let the toxic fumes escape and, if possible, avoid staying there. Regarding your vehicle, it is important to note that even a battery that has been controlled after a fire can catch fire again. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to isolate your vehicle in a place where it poses no risk.
Are you insured in case of fire?
If your electric scooter catches fire, damages caused to third parties will be covered by its civil liability. Moreover, if you live in an insured home, your home insurance contract will cover damages caused if the fire occurred in your residence. Therefore, we recommend that you inquire about the protections you are entitled to as the owner of an electric scooter as well as the protections your home has.
Note that if you are not covered and do not have the funds to pay for the damages caused, you can turn to the Mandatory Insurance Guarantee Fund (FGAO), which will cover the damages. However, you will have to reimburse it with an additional 10%.
FAQ
What are the dangers of the electric scooter?
Like all means of transport, irresponsible riding on an electric scooter can result in collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles. In the city, you can easily encounter various means of transport such as cars, trucks, buses, bicycles, or other electric scooters like yours, with which you could have potential accidents. That is why you must stay alert in all situations.
My scooter smells burnt: what should I do?
When your scooter smells burnt, it may come from the plastic insulators and wires connected to the motor. Generally, this phenomenon is caused by motor overheating or a short circuit. It may also be due to improper handling if you have pushed your vehicle beyond its limits.
How to know if a battery will explode?
Certain signs can help you know if your battery will explode, such as an unpleasant chemical odor that may emanate from the device. This is a warning sign not to be ignored and indicates that it must be checked to avoid a serious accident that could injure you.
Conclusion
The electric scooter is a new, practical, and easy-to-use mode of transport. However, like any electrical device, it is not uncommon for it to experience malfunctions. Cases of electronic vehicles catching fire are increasing worldwide due to lithium batteries that tend to overcharge easily. Yet, although this case is rare, it is possible to avoid it. By adopting the right habits, you can enjoy your vehicle without fearing that it will suddenly catch fire.