E-Bike and Scooter Battery Fires in Apartments: Risks and Rules

Electric bikes and scooters are now a common sight in apartment hallways, and so are the risks that come with their lithium-ion batteries. When these batteries fail, they can ignite quickly and burn intensely, and an apartment fire that starts near the front door can block the only way out. Here is what the data show and how renters can lower the risk.

What the numbers show

New York City. The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) has tracked lithium-ion battery fires closely. It reported 268 such fires and 18 deaths in 2023. In 2024 the department counted 277 fires but six deaths, a 67% drop in fatalities that FDNY attributed to safety messaging, inspections, outreach and an advertising campaign. In a December 2025 year-end summary, the department reported one death from a lithium-ion battery fire in 2025 to that point.

Nationally. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said in its report covering 2017 through 2024 that it was aware of 533 deaths connected to micromobility products overall, most involving crashes rather than fires. Of those, 19 e-bike deaths, 15 e-scooter deaths and 11 hoverboard deaths were tied to lithium-ion battery fires. CPSC notes its counts may rise as more death certificate data come in. The agency also warns that it has seen many lithium-ion battery home fires and deaths at night, while batteries were charging and families were asleep.

Why these batteries catch fire

Fire officials and CPSC point to several recurring factors:

• Uncertified or low-quality products that have not been tested to safety standards.
• Mismatched chargers. CPSC warns that "universal" chargers may fit a device but still be incompatible with its battery, which can cause a fire.
• Modified or rebuilt batteries, including packs assembled from used or repurposed cells.
• Physical damage from crashes, drops or water.

Charging is not the only danger. FDNY has said its 2023 data showed nearly 60% of lithium-ion battery fires involved batteries that were not being charged at the time.

Certification rules

New York City's Local Law 39 of 2023, which took effect September 16, 2023, requires e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries sold, leased or rented in the city to be certified by an accredited testing laboratory. The city says e-bikes must meet UL 2849, e-scooters and similar devices UL 2272, and lithium-ion batteries UL 2271. The law covers sales and rentals, not devices already owned. Other cities and states have their own rules or none at all, so check before you buy. Wherever you live, a certification mark from a recognized lab is a sensible minimum.

Building rules: check your lease

Landlords and building managers may set their own rules on whether e-bikes and scooters can be stored or charged inside units, hallways or bike rooms. Those policies, and any limits on them, depend on your lease, local fire codes and state law. Read your lease and house rules, ask management for the policy in writing, and never store a device where it blocks a hallway, stairwell or exit.

Safe charging and storage habits

Drawing on FDNY and CPSC guidance:

• Buy certified. Look for a mark from a nationally recognized testing lab such as UL.
• Use the manufacturer's charger and battery. Avoid universal chargers and aftermarket batteries not approved for your device.
• Stay present. CPSC advises not charging while sleeping or away from home, and unplugging when charging is done.
• Charge in the right place. FDNY says not to charge near exits, including your apartment door, or in a bedroom.
• Plug directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
• Charge on the floor and keep batteries at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.
• Watch for warning signs. Stop using a battery that smells odd, changes shape or color, leaks or makes unusual noises.
• Dispose properly. Never put lithium-ion batteries in household trash or recycling; take them to a battery recycler or hazardous waste site.

If a battery catches fire

Get everyone out, close the door behind you to slow the spread of smoke and fire, and call 911 from outside. Battery fires can reignite and release toxic smoke, so do not go back for belongings.

Bottom line

E-bikes and scooters are a lifeline for many renters who commute or work in delivery. A certified device, the right charger and careful charging habits go a long way toward keeping them from becoming the cause of the next building fire.