Kohav Ya’aqov, Israel — In a tragic incident highlighting the dangers of electric bicycles, Adina Zehavi, a mother of nine, lost her life due to smoke inhalation after her home caught fire from an exploding electric bike battery. The fire erupted while the battery was charging, forcing Zehavi and her family to evacuate their residence in the Binyamin region. Despite their successful escape, Zehavi succumbed to the effects of the smoke shortly afterward.
The incident is part of a worrying trend as electric bikes and scooters, popular for their affordability and efficiency in navigating traffic, are linked to an increasing number of fires. Such incidents have risen from fewer than 180 annually five years ago to about 250 each year today, with an average of five fatalities and many more injuries. Another poignant example includes the death of an 11-year-old in Ashdod last May, also caused by a fire attributed to an electric bike battery during charging.
Boaz Rakia, Deputy Commander of the Dan District Fire Department, notes the nation-wide spread of these incidents. “The issue extends beyond the Dan District,” Rakia said. “As electric devices become more prominent, so do the fire risks associated with their batteries, which are prone to explosions if mishandled or defective.”
Lithium batteries, commonly used in these devices, are particularly vulnerable during the charging process. Often these batteries are removed from the bikes and charged separately, making them susceptible to mishaps such as falls which can compromise their structural integrity.
To combat these risks, fire safety officials have provided a series of guidelines aimed at preventing such hazardous incidents. Key among these is the recommendation to purchase batteries that meet recognized safety standards, such as the Israeli standard or the international IEC 62133-2. They also caution against charging batteries immediately after use or leaving them to charge unattended, especially overnight.
Another safety measure includes charging the batteries in an area where an explosion would not block escape routes — such as a balcony or outdoors — rather than in more enclosed spaces like living rooms.
In the event of a battery explosion, the immediate action should be to evacuate and avoid attempting to extinguish the fire with conventional methods. “Lithium battery fires require specialized extinguishing techniques that are best handled by professional firefighters,” Rakia explained.
Furthermore, the fire department strongly advises against unauthorized modifications to e-bikes and scooters. Upgrades aimed at enhancing speed and battery performance not only void warranties but also significantly increase the risk of fires.
If a battery is dropped or sustains any impact, it should be taken to a specialized laboratory for inspection. Such precautions are crucial for preventing what is known as thermal runaway, a condition in which the battery generates internal heat and pressure leading to fires and explosions.
These growing incidents underscore the urgent need for continuous education on the proper handling and maintenance of electric bicycles, emphasizing safety, particularly in households where these devices are frequently used. The hope is to prevent future tragedies like that of the Zehavi family and ensure that the transition to eco-friendly transportation does not come at the cost of personal safety.