ENFIELD – Chief Edward N. Richards and the Enfield Fire District No. 1 would like to share some basic safety tips for those who have devices powered by lithium ion batteries, such as e-bikes or e-scooters, as part of the Fire Safety Research Institute’s (FSRI) initiative “Take C.H.A.R.G.E of Battery Safety.”

Recently, there has been an increase in reported fires caused by lithium-ion batteries that power electric bikes and electric scooters (e-bikes and e-scooters) as the devices have become more popular.

The Fire Safety Research Institute explains their C.H.A.R.G.E initiative:

C – Choose certified products

H – Handle with care

A – Always stay alert for warning signs

R – Recycle batteries and devices properly

G – Get out quickly if there’s a fire

E – Educate others about battery safety

In response to this danger, the Enfield Fire District No. 1 offers the following e-bike and e-scooter safety tips from the Fire Safety Research Institute: 

  • Only purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly.
  • Only use the battery and the charger that were designed for, and came with, the device.
  • Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged. Only charge one battery at a time to prevent overloading the circuit.
  • Store e-bikes, e-scooters, and batteries away from exit doors and anything that can catch fire.
  • Store batteries at room temperature and do not charge them when they are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not charge batteries in direct sunlight or inside hot vehicles.
  • Stop using the device, e-bike, or scooter if you notice any of these problems with the battery: unusual odor; change in color; too much heat; change in shape; leaking, smoking, or not keeping a charge.
  • Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycling is always the best option. Take the batteries to a battery recycling location or contact your local waste department for disposal instructions.
  • Only have device repairs performed by a qualified professional.

To learn more information about lithium ion batteries from the Fire Safety Research Institute, visit: https://fsri.org/. 

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