GoKawiilE-bikes, electric scooters and other micromobility devices have changed how many people move through cities. They're fast, convenient and can help replace short car trips or crowded subway rides. But as these devices have become more popular, lithium-ion battery safety has become a serious concern, especially in dense cities like New York.
I spoke with Robert Slone, Ph.D, senior vice president and chief scientist at safety science company UL Solutions. He told me what riders should know before buying, charging, or storing an e-bike, scooter or similar battery-powered rideable.
Sloane also explained how safer batteries, smarter certification and better rider habits are helping reduce lithium-ion fire risks, and why you should verify a product's safety certification before buying.
Charging location is everything
Sloane's biggest warning: Don't charge or store your device in front of your only exit.
"If there is an issue, if there is a fire, there's not a lot of notice," he said. "These are not your typical fire in terms of dynamics. They're more like an explosion."
Many riders come home tired, park their bike near the door, plug it in and go to sleep. It's convenient, but it can also block the only way out if something goes wrong.
The UL-certified Inmotion V9 electric unicycle. Experts recommend consumers verify certification claims before buying an e-bike, scooter, or other battery-powered rideable. Joseph Kaminski
Slone warned against using aftermarket chargers or replacement batteries that weren't designed for the device. Even a bike that's been safe up to that point can become dangerous if paired with the wrong charger or battery.
"These systems are designed to work together," he said. "If you go aftermarket and start mismatching batteries or chargers, that is when we have definitely seen issues."
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