Electric scooters are now a means of transport installed in our everyday lives. However, like many other means of transport, it is not uncommon for electric scooters to be defective, which can make them very dangerous. Many domestic fires have already occurred because of its defects, but it is not impossible to prevent them! Weebot explains everything to you.
Could the danger come from Lithium-ion batteries?
According to scientists, this would be a very likely path. When Lithium-ion batteries are used excessively (such as overload, short circuit, presence of an external heat source, etc.), they can easily lead to sudden increases in temperature. These can themselves lead to fires or, in the worst cases, explosions.
Note that this phenomenon can potentially occur regardless of the state of your electric battery, whether it is connected or not. However, this risk increases tenfold when the battery is overcharged. The more charged the battery of your electric scooter, the more powerful the fire will be.
What causes electric scooter fires?
Lithium-ion batteries tend to burn during improper charging or overcharging, excessive use of the battery, a fault in your vehicle's electric battery, or a shock received on the latter.
Therefore, all products equipped with a lithium-ion battery and which fall into one of the categories mentioned above can be a potential danger for you. This therefore includes electric scooters but also hoverboards and even electric bikes. Indeed, electric vehicles would be more likely to damage their components in the long term, such as their batteries for example, and as a result to catch fire more easily. Note that if you opt for a high-end electric scooter you have an advanced battery management system which monitors the voltage and temperature of your battery. These BMS also cause your vehicle to shut down if it overheats.
Some fires can be caused by improper use of your electric scooter's charger. In fact, it is not uncommon for some users to charge their scooters on power strips, which causes a short circuit and therefore a fire.
However, it does not all depend 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 show poor compliance with the standards imposed during marketing or even a lack of waterproofing or water infiltration which could damage the vehicle, for example.
How to prevent the battery of an electric scooter from catching fire?
As you will have understood, an electric scooter catching fire is not a rare phenomenon. This can happen to many people depending on how you treat your vehicle and whether you have allowed it to overheat. To avoid this type of accident, there are a few reflexes to adopt. These will allow you to dispose of your vehicle in complete safety while keeping it for longer. Here are our tips to prevent your scooter from catching fire:
- Allow your scooter to cool between each ride, whether long or short, before direct charging.
- Do not leave your electric vehicle in an environment that is too hot or too cold.
- Use the charger provided by the manufacturer to be sure that it is compatible with your vehicle and prefer to connect to a device with a grounded socket 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 be sure that 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 lot, you can also bring it near a smoke detector equipped with a sprinkler function which consists of watering the horizons in the event of a fire.
- Do not exceed the maximum load currents. In fact, it is also recommended to unplug your electric scooter when the battery is fully recharged to avoid overloading.
- We recommend that you do not use power strips to power chargers.
- If your electric scooter has suffered a significant impact, you must have it checked by a professional. To do this, you can contact our after-sales service or go to our Services Centers Weebot.
Note that many manufacturers are currently working to find an alternative to current batteries. To achieve this, they offer their customers new variants of the Lithium-ion batteries that we know and which tend to ignite less, such as, for example, lithiated iron phosphate batteries.
Electric scooter fire: what to do?
Despite all these precautions, know that zero risk does not exist. Unfortunately, you are not safe from overheating your vehicle which could cause a fire despite you. It is therefore essential that you are prepared to stop a possible fire outbreak. To achieve this, you must adopt a certain number of reflexes depending on the situation in which you find yourself. 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 limit the risks but we recommend that you disconnect any power source first. Even if you do not see a flame on your vehicle, it is preferable to leave it in an isolated place and not use it again for a while. Finally, if you have a fire extinguisher, we recommend that you keep it nearby in the event of a possible fire.
2- Your electric scooter catches fire
If a fire breaks out, you must call the fire brigade. As explained above, we recommend that you disconnect any power source from your electric scooter. Under no circumstances should you move your vehicle because burning components are often thrown which could seriously injure you. You must not act without the support of the firefighters, we therefore recommend that you do not spray your electric vehicle with water. On the other hand, as explained above, if you have a fire extinguisher nearby, try to use it without putting yourself in danger. In the best case scenario, it is best to leave the room by closing the door behind you so as not to breathe the toxic fumes emanating from your electric scooter.
3- What to do after the firefighters intervene?
After the firefighters have passed, it is preferable to ventilate the room to let the toxic fumes escape and if possible not to stay there. Regarding your vehicle, it is important to point out that even a battery that has been brought under control after a fire can catch fire again. It is therefore strongly recommended to isolate your vehicle in a place where it presents no risk.
Are you insured in the event of fire?
If your electric scooter catches fire, the damage caused to third parties will be covered by the latter's civil liability. In addition, if you live in insured accommodation, your home contract will cover the damage caused if the fire took place in your home. Consequently, we recommend that you find out about the protections to which you are entitled as the owner of an electric scooter but also the protections available to your home.
Please note that if you are not covered and you do not have the necessary funds to pay for the damage caused, you can turn to the Mandatory Insurance Guarantee Fund (FGAO) which will cover the damage. However, you will have to repay it with 10% more.
FAQ
What are the dangers of electric scooters?
Like all means of transport, irresponsible driving of an electric scooter can result in collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles. In the city, you can easily come across various means of transport such as cars, trucks, buses, bicycles or even electric scooters other than yours, with which you can have potential accidents. This is why you must remain on your guard in all situations.
My scooter smells burnt: what should I do?
When your scooter smells burning, it may be coming from the plastic insulators and wires connected to the motor. Generally this phenomenon results in overheating of the motor or a short circuit. It is also possible that it was poor handling on your part if you pushed the limits of your vehicle.
How do you know if a battery is going to explode?
Certain signs can help you know if your battery is going to explode or not, such as an unpleasant chemical smell that may come from the device. This is a warning sign that should not be ignored and which tells you that you need to check it in order to avoid a serious accident that could injure you.
Conclusion
The electric scooter is a new means of transport that is practical and easy to use. However, like any electrical device, it is not uncommon for it to experience malfunctions. Cases of electronic vehicles are increasing everywhere abroad because of lithium batteries which tend to overcharge easily. However, although this case is rare, it is possible to avoid it. By adopting the right reflexes, you will be able to enjoy your vehicle without fearing that it will suddenly catch fire.