Fire chief warns of electric scooter and bike battery fire risks

Markus Rautio, the fire chief of the Varsinais-Suomi Rescue Department, is warning the public about the recurring dangers of fires caused by electric bicycle and scooter batteries. These incidents occur annually, and Rautio notes that many near-miss situations likely go unreported in official statistics.

When these batteries ignite, they burn intensely at high temperatures, release toxic gases, and can eject burning debris several meters away, potentially spreading fire to surrounding materials. A significant risk occurs when batteries are charged near exit routes, such as in hallways or under coat racks, which can block escape paths and ignite clothing.

To minimize risks, the fire chief advises that batteries should never be charged unattended, such as overnight. Furthermore, charging should not take place near exits or flammable materials. Some housing companies have already implemented restrictions on charging in bike storage areas or have installed charging cabinets to prevent fire spread.