Emergency Preparedness

June 24, 2024 Published by Toronto and Area Chapter - By Mark Marmer

The Growing Concern of E-Bike and Scooter Fires

From the Spring 2024 issue of CCI Toronto Condovoice Magazine.

A Call For Regulation & Awareness

Over the last year, the question of electric vehicle (EV) battery fires has come up when condominiums are considering installing EV charging infrastructure. At the 2023 Condo Conference, I spoke on a panel called EV Charging Revolution: Challenges & Opportunities. In planning for this session, my fellow panelists Stacey Kurck of FirstService Residential, Francesco Deo of Deo Condominium Lawyers, Sophia Rojenko of Synergy Partners, and I agreed that it was time to address the question of
lithium-ion battery fires and what steps a condominium can take to protect from potential damage.

While Sophia was investigating the occurrence of fires in EV car batteries, it occurred to me that e-bikes and motorized scooters were also electric vehicles. Fires related to the batteries in these vehicles had started to make their way into the news. I decided to speak briefly that afternoon about these bike and scooter fires. Recent news of an e-bike that burst into flames aboard a TTC subway car in the Sheppard-Yonge station has reignited this conversation. Thanks to swift action from fire crews, the damage was contained and the fire was extinguished, however, this does underscore the urgency of addressing safety concerns related to micro-mobility devices.

Why Are Some Micro-Mobility Devices Higher Risk?

These micro-mobility devices are very popular, especially in downtown areas, where they can be an affordable alternative to automobile ownership. In addition to being affordable, they provide a solution to the need for last-mile travel from public transportation to or from home and work and also provide an agile method to get around congested streets for users such as food delivery service providers.

While these devices offer an affordable and convenient alternative for short distance travel, they also present a much higher risk for potential battery fires. Unlike EVs, micro-mobility devices are subjected to less stringent regulation and often lack the safety certifications required of most electrical devices. In addition, due to the low cost and insufficient regulation, micro-mobility devices may have a lower quality of manufacturing which can result in defects. Finally, features that are built into EVs designed to protect the battery such as preconditioning and managed charging are not commonly found in micro-mobility devices.

In a recent CTV News interview with Toronto Fire Services Chief Matthew Pegg, he said these fires can break out from one or more factors, including, but not limited to, tampering or modifying the battery or its charger, operating the device in an unsafe manner, or using an unapproved or uncertified battery not designed for its specific application.

All of these are factors that result in a much higher risk of battery fires.

What is Needed to Protect Ourselves and Our Infrastructure?

Micro-mobility device fires can result in significant property damage, affecting not only the vehicle itself but also the surrounding structures, including neighbouring residential units and common areas within condominiums and apartment buildings. It is crucial that we take appropriate measures to mitigate these risks and protect our communities.

Chief Matthew Pegg offered tips about the use of lithium-ion batteries, which included:

• Only purchase and use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the device.
• Only use the battery that is designed for the device and use it the right way.
• Only use the charging cord that came with the device and do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed or on a couch.
• Avoid excessive charging as constantly charging a device can reduce the battery’s life or cause the battery to stop working.
• Keep lithium-ion batteries at room temperature.
• Avoid using a device in a highly damp or humid environment.
• Store lithium-ion batteries away from anything that can catch fire.
• Stop using a lithium-ion battery and contact the manufacturer if you notice an odour, a change in colour, too much heat, a change in shape or the battery is leaking.
• Call 911 if you notice the battery or device is sparking or smoking.

With all that being said, it remains unclear how condominium boards and managers should safeguard residents and properties from this emerging fire risk.

The first step should always involve transparent communication with the community designed to recognize the fact that these devices may pose a risk and to share tips on how to reduce the chances of lithium-ion battery fires such as those offered by Chief Pegg.

Next, the condo should review and reinforce the rules it already has in place regarding the use and storage of bicycles and scooters. Many condos do not allow these items to be taken into elevators or stored in the suites. It’s possible that these rules may need to be revised to account for the battery and charging needs. This presents a few new questions such as: Should the battery be stored and charged in a location separate from the devices? Do you need to provide a charging room and, if so, are there specific requirements in the construction of such a room? etc. Additionally, consider instituting rules requiring approved certification marks for e-bikes and scooters a guide for which can be found on the Electrical Safety Authority’s website.

We are still left with a number of unanswered questions, which is common with new technology. Chief Pegg said, “Toronto Fire Services is working in collaboration with the City’s Strategic, Public and Employee Communications team on the development of a comprehensive lithium-ion battery safety campaign, which is now under development and being planned for launch in 2024.” They also created an external working group with 23 organizations, like Ontario Fire Chiefs, Transport Canada, and Health Canada, among others.

Expert working groups such as these will help to shed some additional light on reducing the occurrence of lithiumion battery fires and what can be done to protect buildings and infrastructure in the event they do occur. Active engagement with this working group and close coordination between organizations like CCI and ACMO is essential to provide clear guidance to condominium boards and managers. Managing this new fire risk poses a challenge, but with better government regulations and rules, the safety of all Canadians can be enhanced.

Mark Marmer is a master electrician with a successful track record spanning over 38 years, Signature Electric has established itself as a premier provider in the electrical service industry.