Australia's love affair with e-bikes and e-scooters shows no signs of slowing down — an estimated 900,000 Victorians alone currently own one, with nearly one in five considering a purchase in the next 12 months. But a fast-growing fire risk is catching many owners off guard.

The Numbers Don't Lie: Battery Fires Are Surging

Fire authorities across every Australian state are reporting sharp year-on-year increases in lithium-ion battery incidents. E-bikes and e-scooters now represent the single largest device category involved in these fires.

Fire and Rescue NSW has described lithium-ion batteries as the fastest-growing fire risk in New South Wales. FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell has publicly urged Australians to stop taking dangerous risks with these devices in their homes.

What Makes E-Bike Fires So Dangerous?

Lithium-ion battery fires are fundamentally different from traditional household fires. When a cell fails, it undergoes thermal runaway — a self-sustaining chemical chain reaction that generates extreme heat, produces its own oxygen, and can exceed 1,000°C.

• They can ignite with explosive force, sending shrapnel and toxic gases through a room in seconds.
• They produce hydrogen fluoride and other toxic fumes that are immediately dangerous to breathe.
• Traditional ABC or CO₂ fire extinguishers are ineffective — they cannot cool the battery or interrupt thermal runaway.
• They can reignite hours or even days after appearing to be extinguished.
• In apartment buildings, a single device fire can endanger an entire building of residents.

Why a Standard Fire Blanket Won't Cut It

A conventional cooking-style fire blanket is typically rated to around 500–600°C. A lithium-ion battery in thermal runaway can exceed 1,000°C and produces its own oxidiser, meaning it cannot be suffocated in the traditional sense.

Standard fire extinguishers may temporarily suppress flames, but they do not address the root cause — the runaway chemical reaction inside the battery cells. That's why purpose-built EV fire blankets have become essential safety equipment.

The EV Fire Solutions E-Bike & E-Scooter Fire Blanket

Our lithium-ion battery fire containment blanket is engineered from the ground up for the unique hazards of e-bike and e-scooter fires.

Australia's Regulatory Landscape Is Catching Up

Governments across Australia are rapidly tightening the rules around e-bike and e-scooter safety. Here are the key developments owners should know about:

While these standards focus on preventing fires at the product level, they reinforce a critical message: owners must take proactive steps to be prepared if the worst happens.

What to Do If a Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Occurs

Fire and Rescue NSW and the Queensland Fire Department advise the following steps:

1. Get out immediately. Your safety comes first. Evacuate everyone from the area.
2. Call Triple Zero (000). Always contact emergency services, even if you have safety equipment on hand.
3. Deploy your EV fire blanket (if safe to do so). Unfold and carefully place it over the burning device to contain flames and fumes.
4. Do not attempt to move the device. Battery fires can produce explosive projectiles and toxic gases.
5. Do not use water or a standard extinguisher. These are ineffective against thermal runaway and may worsen the situation.
6. Close doors behind you to limit fire and smoke spread through your home.

Charging Safety Tips from Australian Fire Authorities

Prevention is always the best approach. Fire and Rescue NSW and the Queensland Fire Department recommend:

• Only use the charger that came with your device — never mix and match.
• Never charge overnight or while you're asleep (you cannot smell smoke when sleeping).
• Charge on hard, non-combustible surfaces (concrete, tiles) — never on beds, sofas, or carpet.
• Store and charge away from living spaces, exit doors, and escape routes. A garage or shed is ideal.
• Disconnect the charger once the battery is full.
• Never use a battery that is swelling, leaking, or overheating.
• Have repairs and battery replacements carried out by a qualified professional only.
• Ensure working smoke alarms are installed in or near any room where you charge or store devices.
• Dispose of old batteries at a Community Recycling Centre or Household Chemical CleanOut event — never in household rubbish.