Dr. Naomi Lin
Adina Zehavi, a mother of nine from Kohav Ya’aqov in Binyamin region, tragically lost her life due to a fire caused by an electric bike battery explosion during charging. This devastating incident highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and safety precautions surrounding the growing popularity of electric bikes and scooters.
The rise in the use of electric bikes as a cost-effective and efficient mode of transportation has led to a significant increase in fire incidents caused by lithium battery explosions during charging. According to the Fire and Rescue Services, there are approximately 250 such fires each year, resulting in an average of five fatalities and numerous injuries.
One key factor contributing to these accidents is the sensitivity of lithium batteries to explosions during charging. Deputy Commander Boaz Rakia explains that this is especially true for batteries used in bikes, as they are often disassembled from the device and charged separately, making them more vulnerable to knocks and falls.
To prevent fires in homes with electric devices, the Fire Department recommends the following precautions:
1. Purchase batteries with an Israeli or American standard mark: Look for batteries that bear an Israeli standard mark or the international standard IEC 62133-2. Opt for reputable sources and avoid excessively cheap batteries, as they may pose a higher risk.
2. Allow the battery to cool down before charging: Avoid charging the battery immediately after riding, as a hot battery is more susceptible to explosions. Wait at least half an hour before starting the charging process. Additionally, do not leave the battery exposed to direct sunlight in the car during summer.
3. Avoid overnight charging: Even an empty battery does not require 8 hours of charging. Supervise the charging process and disconnect the battery once it is fully charged, indicated by a green light. Charge the battery on a balcony or outdoors to minimize the risk of fire spreading inside the house.
4. Evacuate immediately if the battery explodes: In the event of a lithium battery explosion, do not attempt to extinguish the fire yourself. Lithium batteries ignite quickly, and fighting the flames requires specialized equipment and skills that only professional firefighters possess. Focus on evacuating yourself and others from the premises, closing the room door where the fire originated to prevent it from spreading.
5. Do not modify bikes and scooters: Many fires occur due to unauthorized modifications made to electric devices in an attempt to enhance their speed and battery performance. It is illegal and dangerous to tamper with these devices, as it significantly increases the risk of a fire.
6. Have a fallen battery inspected: Electric bike batteries are detachable for convenient charging. However, this also makes them more susceptible to falls and damage, which can trigger thermal runaway and lead to explosions. If the battery experiences a blow or impact, take it to a laboratory for inspection.
By implementing these safety measures and spreading awareness about the potential risks associated with electric bike batteries, we can help protect lives and prevent devastating fires. Don’t let convenience come at the expense of safety.
The electric bike and scooter industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the desire for cost-effective and efficient transportation options. However, this rise in popularity has also led to an increase in fire incidents caused by lithium battery explosions during charging.
According to the Fire and Rescue Services, there are approximately 250 such fires each year, resulting in an average of five fatalities and numerous injuries. These incidents highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and safety precautions surrounding the use of electric bikes and scooters.
One of the key factors contributing to these accidents is the sensitivity of lithium batteries to explosions during charging. Deputy Commander Boaz Rakia explains that this is particularly true for batteries used in bikes, as they are often disassembled from the device and charged separately, making them more vulnerable to knocks and falls.
To prevent these fires in homes with electric devices, the Fire Department recommends several precautions. Firstly, individuals should purchase batteries with an Israeli or American standard mark, as these meet safety guidelines. It is also advised to avoid excessively cheap batteries, as they may pose a higher risk.
Another precaution is to allow the battery to cool down before charging. Charging a hot battery increases the risk of explosions, so it is recommended to wait at least half an hour after riding before starting the charging process. Additionally, the battery should not be exposed to direct sunlight in the car during summer.
Overnight charging should be avoided, as even an empty battery does not require 8 hours of charging. It is important to supervise the charging process and disconnect the battery once it is fully charged, indicated by a green light. It is also suggested to charge the battery on a balcony or outdoors to minimize the risk of fire spreading inside the house.
In the event of a lithium battery explosion, it is crucial to evacuate immediately and not attempt to extinguish the fire oneself. Lithium batteries ignite quickly, and fighting the flames requires specialized equipment and skills that only professional firefighters possess. It is important to focus on evacuating oneself and others from the premises and closing the room door where the fire originated to prevent its spread.
Modifying bikes and scooters is another cause of fires. Many incidents occur due to unauthorized modifications made to these devices in an attempt to enhance their speed and battery performance. It is illegal and dangerous to tamper with these devices, as it significantly increases the risk of a fire.
Finally, fallen batteries should be inspected. Electric bike batteries are detachable for convenient charging, but this also makes them more susceptible to falls and damage. If the battery experiences a blow or impact, it is advisable to take it to a laboratory for inspection.
By implementing these safety measures and raising awareness about the potential risks associated with electric bike batteries, it is possible to protect lives and prevent devastating fires. The convenience of electric bikes and scooters should not come at the expense of safety.
