A recent forum conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) focused on the safety and testing of Lithium-ion batteries.  Lithium-ion batteries are used in a wide range of applications including mobile phones, laptops, cameras, power tools, scooters, and vehicles.  These batteries have been lauded for their wide range of application, high energy density power, and life cycle, but that doesn’t mean these batteries come without risks.

Lithium-ion batteries in micromobility products such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards have become a leader in fire and overheating incidents according to the forum background information provided by the CPSC.  At least 208 instances reported across 39 states in a span of almost 2 years.  According to the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) representative for the forum, Lithium-ion battery involved fires have become a top cause of fatalities in New York.

So what’s the problem?

Experts in the forum were able to outline some of the main problems with Lithium-ion batteries.  One such problem was the lack of certification of the batteries.  Certifications are not always coming from certified institutes or counterfeit certifications are being applied after maintenance is conducted.  A second problem may be disparities in the internal construction of the battery packs, which can lead to charging issues or thermal runaway.  Thermal runaway of the batteries lead to larger, more sustained fires while also producing toxic fumes.  The final problem they noted was the availability of cheaper, readily available, aftermarket products that don’t have the same efficiencies and certifications as the original products.

Make sure that you are following the manufacturer’s recommendations for the usage, charging, maintenance, and storage of your batteries.  For more information, you can watch the CPSC’s panel on Lithium-ion Battery Safety here.