E-bike battery fires: a parent's safety guide

BP

04 Dec 2025 — 4 min read

Hook: If your kid is charging an e-bike next to a backpack and a pile of laundry, that is the battery equivalent of grilling in the pantry. Let's fix that.

The problem

E-bike adoption among kids and teens is exploding, but lithium-ion safety rules for micromobility are lagging at the federal level even as fires rise. In New York City, lithium-ion batteries became a leading cause of fire deaths, with 268 related incidents in 2023 and a sharp rise in severe outcomes, as covered in this report. The National Fire Protection Association notes regular incidents and growing concern, offering consumer guidance to reduce risk here. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has ramped up warnings and enforcement, including an alert to stop using certain Rad Power Bikes batteries after dozens of fire reports, some occurring even while stored as noted by CPSC. Across the Atlantic, UK fire services are sounding the alarm over rising e-bike and e-scooter fires and tragic outcomes, underscoring that this is a global safety issue according to the Fire Industry Association.

The goal

Until federal micromobility battery standards land, parents need a clear, practical playbook: what to buy, how to charge, how to store, and what to ask from schools and cities. Think of it as seatbelts for watts.

What to buy: certifications and safer choices

Prefer complete e-bikes that have been evaluated by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) and whose electrical systems adhere to recognized safety standards. For e-bikes, look for systems evaluated to UL 2849. For removable battery packs, look for UL 2271. For e-scooters, look for UL 2272. NYC has moved to require third-party certified devices and components, a model other cities are watching as reported here, while NFPA advises choosing products certified by recognized labs like UL in its guidance.
Match the charger to the battery. Using an incompatible or off-brand charger is a leading risk factor, according to fire officials cited in this NBC report.
Buy from reputable brands and dealers that publish battery specifications, offer spare parts, and provide warranty support. Steer clear of ultra-cheap batteries and DIY packs sold without clear certification. The CPSC has highlighted fire hazards tied to certain batteries in recent warnings.

How to charge safely

Charge where you can see it. Do not charge while sleeping or away from home. NFPA recommends keeping charging under supervision and following the manufacturer instructions here.
Use the original, certified charger on a dedicated outlet. Avoid extension cords and power strips. Fire services point to overloaded circuits and wrong chargers as common triggers per this coverage.
Keep the battery on a hard, nonflammable surface during charging. Never charge on a bed, couch, or pile of gear. NFPA offers general precautions for location and housekeeping in its tips.
Do not charge a damaged or wet battery. If you see swelling, odor, unusual heat, corrosion, or cracking, stop using the pack and contact the manufacturer. The CPSC warning details incidents that occurred even during storage, highlighting the importance of heeding early warning signs here.
Set a charging window. Many modern packs reach 80 percent quickly; topping to 100 percent and staying there adds stress. Unplug promptly when full, and do not trickle charge overnight. NFPA advises against charging unattended or overnight here.

How to store, ride, and transport

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sun and flammables. Do not block exits. NFPA’s lithium-ion safety guidance applies broadly to e-bikes and e-scooters here.
Partial charge for longer storage. Around 40-60 percent state-of-charge is gentler on cells than 0 or 100 percent for weeks.
Transport batteries in the bike or in a rigid case, never loose with metal tools that can short the terminals.
After a crash or hard impact, treat the pack as suspect. If it becomes hot, hisses, smokes, or vents, move away and call emergency services.

Recognize early warning signs

Heat during or after charging that is unusual for your model.
Bulging, cracks, dents, corrosion, or a sweet/solvent-like odor.
Repeated charger faults or sudden drops in range. Stop using and contact the manufacturer or dealer. Follow local guidance for hazardous waste disposal of damaged packs, as urged in safety advisories like the CPSC warning here.

What schools and cities can do now

Require third-party certified devices, batteries, and chargers for on-campus use and student housing, mirroring NYC’s approach to certification and retail standards as reported here.
Create supervised charging rooms with smoke detection, sprinklers, clearances, and hard, nonflammable surfaces. Prohibit charging in corridors, stairwells, and dorm rooms.
Ban overnight charging in schools and municipal buildings. Enforce no charging on power strips or extension cords.
Provide outdoor or detached e-mobility parking with weather-protected, monitored charging lockers to reduce indoor risk.
Run parent and student safety briefings each semester. Share NFPA’s guidance and local fire department resources like these.
Work with local retailers on trade-in programs to remove uncertified or damaged batteries from circulation, a tactic highlighted amid enforcement challenges in NYC here.

The bottom line

Federal rules may be slow, but family safety does not have to wait. Buy certified systems, charge smart, and push your school and city to build safer charging habits and spaces. Most e-bike rides end with nothing more dramatic than a grin and a helmet hair situation. Let’s keep it that way.