Fast, efficient, and highly adaptable: electric bikes have become one of our most popular modes of transportation. But there are some unique risks involved. In the past few years, e-bike fires caused by failing lithium-ion batteries have caused issues and injuries for riders. When cyclists are harmed by an e-bike fire, who is responsible?
Whether you own your e-bike or borrow it from one of the many popular bike-share services, we explore potentially liable parties, steps to maintain safety, and what may cause an e-bike fire in the first place.
How Common are E-Bike Fires?
Between 2021 and 2024, New York City saw as many as 540 e-bike and e-scooter fires, resulting in hundreds of injuries and nearly 30 deaths. Since then, legislation and consumer education have worked across many U.S. cities to make these incidents less common. Still, e-bike popularity has yet to hit its peak: in 2025, the number of e-bikes sold in the U.S. is expected to be in the range of 700,000 units.
As these bikes hit streets and homes, the risk for lithium-ion battery fire increases. While e-bikes have certainly gotten safer in the past few years, the threat of fire and explosions is still a very real one. Last week, two New Jersey homes were destroyed when a charging e-bike battery sparked a devastating fire. These fires are unique, according to FDNY commissioner Laura Kavanagh, because they don’t just ignite, they explode. This can make them difficult to contain once they’ve started.
What Causes E-Bike Fires?
E-bike battery fires are most often caused by issues related to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Small and durable, these batteries are found in any number of popular electronic devices, including laptops and smartphones. However, they use highly flammable materials. Misused, improperly manufactured, and aging batteries are much more likely to catch fire.
For e-bike users, uncertified or aftermarket batteries pose a particular risk. An uncertified battery may not meet acceptable safety standards, resulting in batteries that are more likely to explode. A safe lithium-ion battery pack will be certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
UL-certified e-bikes and electric scooters are not immune to lithium-ion battery fires, but they are considerably safer than products bought from less-than-reputable manufacturers. Unfortunately, many consumers struggle with confirming the UL status of a product when purchasing through secondhand or online marketplaces.
A lithium-ion battery fire may start due to a number of factors, including but not limited to:
- Damage: If a battery pack is met with blunt force or puncturing impact, broken internal components may cause short circuits.
- Overheating: Overcharging a battery or allowing it to sit too long at an unsafe temperature may produce thermal runaway, a chemical reaction in which too much heat produces more heating, leading to uncontrollable temperatures within the battery.
- Improper storage: Charging or storing an e-bike near metal, at extreme temperatures, or in a poorly ventilated space can increase the risk of failure.
- Age and usage: Aging batteries are less stable than new ones; but be careful when buying replacement batteries, as they may not always be UL-certified.
- Improper manufacturing: Defects in battery design or production errors can be the cause of internal damage, leading to increased risk of fire.
Common Risks Associated with E-Bike Battery Fire
When an e-bike battery explodes, the resulting fire can spread quickly and be difficult to extinguish. These fires may cause a wide range of injuries and damage, such as:
- Severe Burns
- Smoke Inhalation
- Extensive Property Damage
- Psychological Impact
- Death
How to Prevent an E-Bike Battery Fire
Though not all e-bike battery fires are preventable, consumers can still do their part to produce the safest possible environment. Experts recommend ensuring that any lithium-ion battery device be stored and charged in a cool and dry location. They also recommend not charging devices while you’re asleep or over extended periods of time.
Additionally, consumers should routinely examine battery packs for cracks and bulges and immediately cease usage should any occur. All battery chargers should be purchased from reputable manufacturers, rather than from unknown sellers. Finally, e-bike chargers should be located at a safe distance from flammable materials and should never block any exits.
Who is Liable After an E-Bike Battery Fire?
Even if e-bike owners and riders do their best to follow the guidelines outlined above, accidents can and do still happen. After an e-bike battery fire, you may be wondering who is liable for injuries or property damage caused.
The answer depends on the circumstances surrounding the fire. Depending on whether user error, manufacturing defects, or charging station issues, different parties may shoulder blame. Potentially liable parties include:
- Charging station operators: Improperly maintained charging stations can produce overheating in electric bike batteries, increasing the risk of fire. If you were injured by a fire that occurred at an e-bike charging station, the operator may be liable.
- E-bike retailers: E-bike suppliers have a duty to ensure the products they sell are safe to use and that consumers know how to use them. If this duty is breached, a retailer may be held accountable after an e-bike fire-related injury.
- Battery manufacturers: Defects in lithium batteries may occur early in the production process and cause issues for cyclists later down the line. If your battery fire was caused by a defective battery, the manufacturer may be found responsible.
What Should You Do After an E-Bike Battery Fire?
The first thing to do after an e-bike battery fire is call emergency services. Lithium battery fires can be difficult to extinguish, and it is crucial that a fire unit be on the scene. You should also ensure any injuries are treated immediately by medical responders, even if they do not seem severe at the time.
Once you’ve taken care of any medical needs, you may want to contact a personal injury or product liability lawyer. Personal injury attorneys can help you to gather evidence after your accident, assess potentially liable parties, and negotiate with your insurance providers. A product liability lawyer, on the other hand, can be a crucial ally when navigating an accident that occurred due to manufacturer negligence or improper design.
To determine which option is right for you, you’ll want to schedule a free evaluation with a qualified litigator.
Protecting Cyclists, One Case at a Time
If you’ve been injured in an e-bike fire, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. At McCune Law Group, our expert personal injury and product liability lawyers have decades of experience helping injured clients to claim the compensation they deserve. The sooner you reach out after an e-bike incident, the sooner we can get you back on the road to full financial recovery.
Call or fill out the online form today to schedule a free evaluation.