Family life in danger: E-scooter fire claims the life of a dog!

Family life in danger: E-scooter fire claims the life of a dog!

On Monday night there was a tragic fire in Schapen in the Emsland district, in which a family could only be brought to safety by a lucky coincidence. A 38-year-old mother and her three children, aged 5, 12 and 14, sustained minor injuries when a loud bang woke them awake. The smoke rising from the utility room was an alarming sign for the family, who were quickly able to escape outside. Unfortunately, any help came too late for one of the family's dogs, while another dog needed veterinary care. The property damage is estimated at around 100,000 euros, and the building is now uninhabitable, as NDR reports.

Initial investigations suggest that the fire was caused by the battery of an e-scooter that was parked in the entrance area and was found completely charred. The dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries are not new. According to a study by the Austrian Road Safety Board, battery-powered devices such as e-scooters and e-bikes are potential fire hazards that should not be underestimated. In fact, 25% of e-bike owners and 30% of e-scooter owners did not take any safety measures to protect themselves against the risks (KFV).

Fire hazard from batteries

The risk of fire from lithium batteries is not just an issue in Germany. In 2022, there were 220 fires in New York City caused by batteries from e-scooters and e-scooters. These resulted in tragic losses, including ten deaths. An action plan called “Charge Safe, Ride Safe” has already been launched there to increase safety and introduce stricter controls on the sale of unqualified batteries and chargers. Public relations plays a key role in creating awareness of the fire risks (Deutschlandfunk).

The reason for many of these fires lies in the nature of lithium-ion batteries. These consist of many cells that can release energy uncontrollably if damaged. In addition, lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to overcharging and unsuitable chargers. Recommendations for fire prevention include the use of high-quality devices, regular maintenance and compliance with recommended charging processes. Surprisingly, 2.3% of e-bike owners and 2.7% of e-scooter owners in Austria had already experienced fires, which underlines the urgency of the issue (KFV and Deutschlandfunk).

Awareness of security measures

It becomes particularly dangerous when batteries are charged in living rooms, as is currently the case in many households. A safe location for charging and choosing the right charger are crucial to preventing fires. It is all the more important that users regularly ensure that their devices are protected from overheating and that they only use original accessories. With the multitude of e-scooters and e-bikes becoming more and more widespread, it is up to all of us to have a good hand in using these devices in order to prevent tragic incidents like the one in Schapen.

The responsibility lies not only with the manufacturers, but also with the users, who should inform themselves about the risks and take appropriate safety measures to protect their loved ones and their homes.