If an electric scooter, e-bike or mobility scooter is on your Christmas present list this year, here are some tips about storing and charging them safely.
Buying
- Register your product with the manufacturer. This validates the warranty and means manufacturers can contact you if there is a recall or a safety issue.
- You can check any products you have bought on Electrical Safety First’s website or the government website
Charging
As these items have lithium batteries, there are ways you can reduce the risks of fire when charging:
- Make sure the battery is cooled down before recharging
- Do not recharge if the battery becomes damaged
- Always follow manufacturers’ instructions
- Unplug your charger once it’s finished charging
- Always use the correct charger for your batteries
- Do not overload socket outlets
- Make sure your battery and charger meet UK safety standards
Where to charge your batteries
- Never block your escape route with e-bikes, e-scooters or mobility scooters
- Store and charge them somewhere away from a main through route or exit and in a room where you can close the door
- Never leave it charging unattended or while you are asleep
- Make sure you and your family have an escape plan in place in the event of a fire
In the event of an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire, do not attempt to extinguish the fire. Get out, stay out and call 999.
This short video from London Fire Brigade shows just how quickly an e-scooter can catch fire:
If you have any concerns, please contact our Fire Safety team.