On a recent Friday morning, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) faced a challenging situation battling a fire in Queens. The fire involved multiple e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries, and was further complicated by frigid temperatures and a frozen fire hydrant. This incident highlights the growing concern of e-bike related fires and the dangers they pose, especially when coupled with environmental challenges.
The Incident
The FDNY responded to a call just before 5:30 a.m. at 142-33 60th Avenue in the Flushing section of Queens. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with heavy fire on the first floor of the building. The situation was immediately compounded by a frozen fire hydrant directly in front of the building, forcing firefighters to locate another usable hydrant further down the road. After extinguishing the blaze, the FDNY discovered that multiple e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries were the source of the fire.
Injuries
Three individuals sustained injuries as a result of the fire. Two people suffered serious, but non-life threatening injuries, while one person sustained minor injuries. The quick response from the FDNY prevented further harm and escalation of the fire. Approximately 60 fire and EMS personnel, consisting of around 12 units, were deployed to the scene.
E-bike Fires: A Growing Concern
The incident in Queens is not isolated, and it reflects a growing trend of fires related to e-bikes and their batteries. Lithium-ion batteries, which power e-bikes, are known to be susceptible to catching fire and even exploding when damaged, improperly charged, or stored incorrectly.
Why E-bike Batteries Catch Fire
Several factors contribute to the risk of e-bike battery fires:
- Overheating: When a lithium-ion battery is charged, it can overheat if the membranes separating individual battery cells are too thin.
- Aftermarket Batteries: Using off-brand or aftermarket replacement batteries and chargers, that may not meet safety standards, significantly increases the risk of fire. These batteries may lack proper separation between lithium cells or lack a Battery Management System (BMS), which regulates charging and prevents overcharging.
- Damaged Batteries: Batteries with damaged cases or those exposed to extreme temperatures are more susceptible to catching fire.
- Improper Charging: Leaving batteries charging unattended, especially overnight, or using extension cords can also lead to overheating and fires.
- Modifications: Modifying e-bikes or using conversion kits can also create safety risks.
Statistics
The popularity of e-bikes has surged in recent years and has been accompanied by an increase in fire incidents. In London, for example, there was an e-bike or e-scooter fire every two days in 2023. These fires have led to fatalities and numerous injuries, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. In the U.S., there were 208 reported micromobility fire or overheating incidents between January 1, 2021, and November 28, 2022, resulting in at least 19 fatalities and 22 injuries requiring emergency room treatment.
Safety Measures to Prevent E-bike Fires
Preventing e-bike battery fires requires a combination of caution, proper maintenance, and adherence to safety guidelines. Here are some crucial steps to minimize the risk:
Purchasing and Maintenance
- Buy from Reputable Brands: Always purchase e-bikes and batteries from reputable brands that adhere to safety standards. Look for products that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly, such as UL 2849 or UL 2272.
- Use Manufacturer-Approved Products: Only use the charger and battery that came with your e-bike or that are recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid aftermarket batteries or accessories that have not been safety-tested.
- Professional Repairs: Have any repairs performed by a qualified professional.
- Avoid Second-hand Products: Do not use damaged, second-hand, or recalled batteries or e-bikes.
Charging Practices
- Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging, storing, and maintaining your e-bike battery.
- Supervise Charging: Never leave an e-bike unattended while it’s charging. Do not leave it charging overnight.
- Avoid Overcharging: Do not continue to charge the battery once it’s full.
- Charge in Safe Areas: Charge e-bike batteries away from flammable materials and avoid charging near exits or in any area blocking an escape route. Do not charge your device near an exit, or within 10 feet of combustible materials.
- Plug Directly into Outlets: Always plug your battery charger directly into an outlet, avoiding the use of extension cords or power strips.
Storage and Monitoring
- Safe Storage: Store your e-bike battery in a clean, dry, and temperature-controlled environment. Keep batteries away from heat, direct sunlight, flammable materials, and moisture.
- Keep Away from Pets and Children: Store batteries away from pets and children.
- Monitor for Issues: Regularly check your battery for signs of damage, such as unusual odors, changes in color or shape, leaking, or odd noises. If you notice any of these issues, stop using your e-bike and contact the manufacturer.
- Protect from Elements: Protect your battery from the elements and extreme temperatures.
Other Precautions
- Smoke Detectors: Ensure smoke alarms are in good working condition in the area where batteries are charged. Test them regularly.
- Don’t Block Fire Escapes: Maintain easily accessible safety escape routes that are free from any obstructions, including e-bikes.
- Remove Battery During Transport: Remove your e-bike battery when transporting your bike.
- Safe Disposal: Dispose of batteries properly. Check with your local recycling center on how to dispose of them or see if the seller has a disposal program.
The Role of Regulations and Standards
To combat the risks associated with e-bike fires, various organizations are implementing standards and guidelines.
- UL Standards: UL has published standards specific to e-bikes (UL 2849) and the electrical drive train of personal e-mobility devices (UL 2272). These standards aim to ensure that e-bikes and their batteries are designed and tested to operate safely.
- NFPA: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) includes requirements for charging micromobility devices in their fire code, emphasizing the use of listed devices and following manufacturer instructions.
Conclusion
The recent e-bike fire in Queens, exacerbated by frigid temperatures and a frozen hydrant, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of e-bike safety. By adhering to the safety tips outlined above, consumers can significantly reduce the risk of battery fires, protecting themselves, their families, and their communities. The increasing popularity of e-bikes necessitates heightened awareness and responsible practices to ensure that these devices are used safely.
