E-bikes and e-scooters have become a common part of Australian life, used for commuting, recreation and short-distance travel. The lithium-ion batteries that power them are compact and high-capacity, making them practical for everyday use. They also carry a specific fire risk that is worth understanding.
This page covers why e-bike and e-scooter batteries carry a higher fire risk, how fires start, and what you can do to protect yourself, including choosing the right fire extinguisher.
For a broader overview of lithium battery fire safety, see our Lithium Battery Fire Safety Guide.
How E-Bike Battery Fires Start
Most e-bike and e-scooter battery fires are triggered by thermal runaway — an internal chain reaction caused by one or more of the following:
- Overcharging — charging beyond the battery's rated capacity, often caused by a faulty or incompatible charger
- Physical damage — a dropped, crashed or compressed battery may have internal damage that is not visible externally
- Cell degradation — old or heavily cycled batteries have reduced tolerance for charging stress
- Heat exposure — leaving a battery in direct sun or a hot vehicle can raise internal temperatures to unsafe levels
- Swollen or damaged cells — a battery that appears swollen, cracked or is producing unusual heat has already begun to fail
Once thermal runaway begins, it can be difficult to stop without targeted cooling.
Safe Charging Habits for E-Bikes and E-Scooters
Simple habits significantly reduce your e-bike and e-scooter battery fire risk:
- Charge during waking hours — avoid charging overnight or when you are away from home
- Use the approved charger — always use the charger supplied with or approved for your specific battery
- Don't charge on soft surfaces — charge on a hard, non-flammable surface such as concrete or tile, not carpet, furniture or bedding
- Allow the battery to cool first — do not charge immediately after heavy use while the battery is still warm
- Unplug when fully charged — avoid leaving the battery on charge after it reaches 100%
- Monitor older batteries closely — batteries that have been in use for several years should be inspected more regularly for signs of degradation
Safe Storage for E-Bike and E-Scooter Batteries
Where and how you store your e-bike or e-scooter battery matters:
- Store batteries away from flammable materials such as paper, fabric and fuel
- Avoid storing in living areas where a fire could quickly spread. A garage or shed is preferable where possible.
- Do not store batteries in vehicles during periods of high heat
- If you store your e-bike or e-scooter indoors, consider keeping a purpose-built lithium fire extinguisher nearby
- Inspect stored batteries periodically for swelling, leakage or unusual odour
What to Do If Your E-Bike Battery Catches Fire
Always call 000 immediately for any significant fire. Follow emergency services guidance at all times.
For early-stage incidents where it is safe to intervene:
- Do not attempt to move a burning battery — burning lithium batteries can react unpredictably if disturbed
- Do not use dry powder (ABE) as a first choice — it does not address the ongoing heat source
- Apply a purpose-built lithium suppression agent to the battery surface to help cool and suppress the incident
- Evacuate the area and avoid inhaling smoke or gases from a burning battery
- Even after apparent suppression, monitor the battery — e-bike batteries can reignite hours after the initial incident
If the battery is charging when the incident starts, disconnect power at the wall if it is safe to do so before attempting suppression.
Choosing a Fire Extinguisher for E-Bike and E-Scooter Fires
Standard ABE dry powder extinguishers can knock down visible flame but are not designed to address the ongoing heat source in a lithium battery fire or reduce the risk of re-ignition.
BSA extinguishers use BSA900™, a water-based suppression agent designed to:
- Help cool and reduce battery surface temperature
- Cling to surfaces for extended cooling contact
- Help suppress flame and reduce oxygen exposure
Recommended sizes for e-bike and e-scooter use:
2L
Suited to apartments, indoor storage areas and single e-bike or e-scooter setups
4L
Suited to garages, sheds and multi-bike storage areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store my e-bike inside my apartment?
Many people do store e-bikes indoors, but the fire risk is worth managing carefully. If storing indoors, charge only when you are present, use only the approved charger, and consider keeping a purpose-built lithium fire extinguisher within reach of the storage area.
What should I do if my battery starts swelling?
Stop using and charging the battery immediately. Do not puncture, compress, place it in general waste, or take a badly damaged or swollen battery to a standard battery drop-off. Follow your local council or an accredited battery collector's guidance before transporting or disposing of it.
Can I use a standard fire extinguisher on an e-bike fire?
A standard ABE dry powder extinguisher can help suppress visible flame but is not designed for the ongoing heat source of a lithium battery fire. A purpose-built lithium suppression agent is designed to cool the battery surface and help reduce re-ignition risk.
Do I need a special extinguisher for an e-scooter?
The same lithium battery fire risks apply to e-scooters as to e-bikes. A BSA extinguisher designed for lithium battery fires is appropriate for both e-bike and e-scooter incidents.
Battery Safe Australia was founded to bring purpose-built lithium fire protection into everyday Australian homes and workplaces.
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