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Fire Risk of Electrified Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs)

We have all seen or may even own an E-Scooter or E-bike. Some of us with better balance may even have an E-skateboard. There is no denying that PMDs are a common sight now and not just as the rental scooters you see scattered about the cityscape, but more people are buying their own due to the ever-reducing cost and the availability of PMDs at many major retailers.

 

PMDs offer rapid, short-distance transportation, with zero emissions at an ever-lowering cost of entry. They can be charged at home with a typical GPO and are much less strenuous than traditional cycling or walking, which is great for Australia’s typical heat. Overall, they are a modern, clean, and efficient solution to many urban transportation problems Australians face.

 

However, PMDs are powered by lithium-ion batteries. While lithium-ion batteries are high energy density for a battery and are decreasing constantly in price, there are some unique issues with fire safety. There are three main ways that lithium-ion batteries can ignite:

  1. Mechanical damage – physical impact causing crushing or penetration of the battery pack.
  2. Electrical Abuse – Overcharging, over discharge, or short circuit.
  3. Thermal Abuse – Overheating of the battery.

In these cases, thermal runaway can occur in the cell, whereby the cell heats up, further causing an exothermic reaction within the battery cell, which overheats the adjacent cells. Once a cell heats up, gas is produced which expands the battery, eventually bursting the casing with gas release or an explosion. This exothermic reaction then damages the cells adjacent, and the process can be repeated. When charging, the likelihood of thermal runaway is significantly increased. From a fire safety perspective, PMDs pose a significant fire risk and are of major concern as often they are charged inside the home or office itself.

 

Fire New South Wales (Fire NSW) has reported responding to some 22 fires caused by e-scooters in 2022, with the number of incidents almost tripling to 61 in 2023. Keeping in mind that this is only the incidents which were significant enough to warrant Fire NSW being involved. EV Fire Safe tracked the number of incidents of PMDs in the first 6 months of 2023 and found 500+ battery fires (counting was stopped at 500), 138 injuries, and 36 fatalities.

 

On the 7th December 2024, an electric scooter in a garage ignited a blaze which engulfed a home in South Townsville. On the 19th January 2024, an e-bike on charge overnight ignited a fire within a North Bondi unit, forcing the resident to evacuate out of the window. Luckily the unit was on the ground floor and this was possible.

 

The Insurance Council of Australia (2018) released a briefing note stating that PMDs have a higher risk of battery fire overall and a higher risk of injury, fatality, and property loss. Citing market demand, lowering costs, poor design and manufacturing, high wear and tear, poor regulation and enforcement in addition to the storage of PMDs within buildings. This view was supported by EV safe’s opinion/conclusion.

 

As individuals with PMDs, there are a number of steps you can take to minimize your risk such as:

  • Buy from reliable manufacturers and ensure Australia Regulatory Compliance.
  • Install detection where you plan to charge your PMD.
  • Clear a space where the PMD is to be charged away from flammable materials or furniture where possible.
  • Don’t charge a PMD where you can be trapped from your egress if an incident did occur.
  • Place PMD on a non-combustible surface such as tiles or concrete if possible.
  • Don’t charge the PMD when you are sleeping or not at home.
  • Inspect the PMD battery for damage and if wet, let it dry first before charging.
  • Some buildings or body corporates may impose specific insurance requirements for PMD owners.

 

From a fire safety perspective, PMDs pose a unique challenge. Essentially, a PMD due to its size, mobility, and ability to charge at any GPO represents a fire risk at any location within a building. Potentially blocking egress points of apartments or if left in communal bike cages, PMDs can present an ignition risk and fire load which was not present or envisioned with the initial design. There is no clear guidance or solution, but future considerations may involve:

  • Management in use strategy to remove PMDs from within certain areas of a building.
  • Designated area with fire separation for communal PMD storage.

Overall, PMDs represent a relatively new and emerging hazard which requires increased awareness from occupants and owners to reduce the risks associated with PMDs in the interim. Currently, PMDs are being reviewed by legislative bodies and insurance companies to address the risk posed and they are a risk which may need to be considered during design.

 

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