Firefighters warn of battery explosion danger from e-bikes

Columbus firefighters are warning about dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries, especially those used to charge e-scooters and e-bikes.

According to the fire department, the batteries can overheat, catch on fire and even explode if they are damaged or improperly used, charged or stored. They say that you should protect the batteries from extreme heat or cold temperatures, either of which can damage the battery. Firefighters recommend that you charge your devices outdoors, out of direct sunlight and away from any structures.

Firefighters cited a situation in New York city where a lithium-ion battery sparked a fire that injured five people, with one later dying. That was the second such fatal event in the city this year.