E-bike, scooter and hoverboard battery charging safety
Lithium-ion batteries power e-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards, and many recalls in these categories involve fire. This guide summarises CPSC’s published charging advice.
Do not charge overnight or while you are away
CPSC reports that many home fires and deaths happen at night while batteries charge and people sleep. Its advice is to avoid charging overnight or when you are not home, to stay nearby while charging and to unplug the charger when the battery is full.
Use the right charger
Use the charger that came with the device or one the manufacturer recommends. CPSC has warned against “universal” e-bike chargers that are not compatible with a specific battery, because even a good battery can start a fire with the wrong charger.
Be careful with replacement batteries
Replacement batteries should be approved for your device. CPSC advises against battery packs that were modified by unqualified people or built with used cells.
Stop using a damaged or recalled battery
If a battery is damaged or CPSC issues a recall or warning for it, follow that notice. For example, CPSC’s warning for certain Rad Power Bikes e-bike batteries told owners to remove the battery immediately and dispose of it through hazardous waste channels. Check e-bike and scooter recalls and battery and charger recalls.
Dispose of lithium batteries properly
Do not put lithium batteries in household trash or recycling. CPSC says to take them to a local battery recycler or hazardous waste collection centre.
Common questions
Does this advice apply to power banks and phone chargers?
CPSC’s published guidance on this topic is aimed at e-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards. For any product, the safest step is to follow its manufacturer’s instructions and check the recall list for your brand.
What should I do if my battery gets hot or swells?
Stop using and charging it and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you think it is a fire risk, contact the manufacturer and consider reporting it at SaferProducts.gov.
Sources
- CPSC: Micromobility information center
- CPSC: Statement on “universal” e-bike chargers
- CPSC warning: Rad Power Bikes e-bike batteries
This guide summarises public CPSC advice and is not a substitute for the instructions in a specific recall notice or from a product’s manufacturer.