First, it’s important to mention that electric scooters don’t necessarily pose a greater risk than any other device containing a lithium battery, such as an electric bicycle or a mobile phone. However, the risk of an electric scooter fire increases significantly when the vehicles are tampered with to gain more power or when they are recharged with low-quality chargers that do not meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
Common Causes of Fires and Explosions in Electric Scooters
These are the two main reasons an unmodified electric scooter may catch fire or its battery might explode:
- Using Non-Original Chargers: It is common to use low-end chargers due to loss, misplacement, or damage to the original charger. This causes the vehicles to charge under conditions different from those designed, leading to damage to the battery.
- Battery overcharging. Another very common issue is charging vehicles for extended periods of time. A standard personal mobility vehicle takes an average of three hours to charge, and increasing the charging time can damage the battery. While some chargers have automatic shut-off systems when charging is complete, low-end chargers may fail in this regard. Additionally, most chargers continue to supply power until the vehicle is disconnected.
What Solutions Exist to Prevent a Battery Explosion in an Electric Scooter?
One of the main measures to prevent fires is the use of charging stations for electric scooters, specifically designed for all personal mobility vehicles. Charging stations should have integrated chargers that are compatible with the technical requirements of electric vehicles. It is essential to avoid stations where users can plug in their own chargers, as these are much more prone to overheating or short circuits.
Charging stations must comply with safety regulations to ensure stable electricity flow and prevent damage to scooter batteries during the charging process. These stations should also include monitoring systems that alert users to any anomalies, such as overheating, and prevent battery overcharging, one of the main causes of explosions in electric scooters.
Parking Without Charging
Another solution could be the implementation of parking spaces for personal mobility vehicles where users cannot charge their vehicles, as these spaces lack outlets for connecting chargers.
Safe Charging Infrastructure to Prevent an Electric Scooter Fire
At Solum, we offer charging stations specifically designed to ensure a safe and efficient environment for both users and the batteries of electric scooters.
Our charging stations are equipped with state-of-the-art chargers integrated into the station, ensuring proper and stable charging for every electric scooter model. Additionally, all our stations undergo strict quality controls and comply with current safety regulations. This comprehensive approach allows us to prevent overheating and short circuits, significantly minimizing the risk of fires.
In conclusion, to prevent an electric scooter fire, it is crucial to ensure that the charging infrastructure is properly designed, with integrated chargers, certified stations, and the avoidance of practices such as using non-original chargers or overcharging batteries. These measures can make a significant difference in preventing fires and explosions.
What do you think? Do you believe safe charging stations should be a priority in our cities? Share your thoughts and experiences with electric scooters in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
