Toronto’s fire chief has raised concerns about the safety risks associated with e-bikes after a video surfaced showing one catching fire on Sunday morning. Jim Jessop highlighted the increasing frequency of such incidents and the unique challenges they pose for firefighters. Since 2022, the fire service has observed a 200% rise in e-bike-related fires annually in the city.
The challenges mentioned by Jessop include issues like flying battery cells, toxic smoke, and extreme heat. The video capturing the fire incident, which occurred at a residence on Mayhill Crescent in Scarborough, revealed the destructive power of lithium-ion batteries, leading to the complete consumption of the house.
In another recent incident at a high-rise building on Lawrence Avenue E, three individuals were hospitalized due to an e-bike fire. Scarborough Rouge Park Coun. Nathan Shan confirmed that the injured individuals had non-life-threatening injuries and emphasized the unsettling impact such fires can have on entire buildings.
To prevent e-bike fires, Jessop advised against using “off-market” batteries that are either damaged or modified for extended charging. He recommended purchasing batteries certified by reputable standards organizations like ULC or CSA and avoiding any alterations or enhancements to the battery. Using the original charging station provided with the battery was also stressed as a safety measure.