E-Bike Injuries Caused by Battery Explosions

E-bike sales have been creeping up in the US for years. For many consumers, they offer affordable transportation. The electric component allows them to cycle with the assistance of a motor that can remove some of the physical challenges that come with standard bikes. By 2022, consumers bought about 1.1 million e-bikes nationally, which is nearly four times the amount Americans purchased in 2019.

Unfortunately, as more people bring these bikes into their homes, there has been an increase in injuries, including some caused by lithium-ion battery failures, explosions, and fires. Some of those fires have had tragic outcomes. For the victims of defective products, including lithium-ion batteries, there may be legal options.

The danger of e-bike battery explosions

Lithium-ion batteries power many modern consumer products, including e-bikes, because they offer high energy density. Electric cars, phones, and even e-cigarettes rely on this power source. However, when one of these batteries fails, the results can be catastrophic. For instance, some of the outcomes include the following:

• Explosions
• House fires
• Severe burns and traumatic injuries
• Fatalities

Consumer Reports stated that lithium-ion batteries have caused 188 explosions and over 3,000 fires since 2022. Those numbers include e-bikes. New York City has experienced many of these issues because people often rely on e-bikes and e-scooters to navigate its busy streets. There were 267 fires, 150 resulting injuries, and tragically, 18 deaths in NYC caused by these devices in 2023, according to the New York Fire Department (FDNY). As recently as 2019, there were no reported deaths, and just a small fraction of similar fires in the city.

What causes e-bike batteries to explode or catch fire?

The reason lithium-ion batteries cause these fires has to do with a chemical trigger that causes a phenomenon called “thermal runaway.” When this happens, it leads to overheating, pressure buildup, and flammable gas release. The result can be potentially deadly explosions or fires.

There are a number of factors that can lead to these dangerous outcomes. Some include:

• Low-quality or defective batteries: Using cheaply made, uncertified batteries increases the risk of a fire or explosion.
• Physical damage: Getting into a crash, a bad drop, and using the device for long periods (which may happen with gig workers) can stress battery components.
• Unsafe charging habits: Charging the device overnight, using off-brand chargers, or charging your e-bike near flammables can have consequences.
• DIY modifications: People may put themselves in danger by refurbishing or tampering with batteries, which may disable safety systems.
• Environmental risks: Some dangers come from charging wet or cold batteries or using the batteries in extreme temperatures.
• Improper storage by retailers: Some incidents may occur even before these devices reach consumers, sometimes because they were stored in cluttered shops or otherwise handled improperly.

Arizona law may offer an opportunity for victims of these types of failures to recover for their injuries and losses.

Legal rights under Arizona product liability law

In Arizona, victims of dangerous, defective products may have the right to take legal action. Manufacturers, distributors, and sellers may be liable for products that are designed or manufactured defectively, or that lack adequate warnings or instructions.

Those injured by these products may be able to recover damages for their personal injuries. The compensation available in a successful case may cover:

• Medical expenses (burns, smoke inhalation, orthopedic trauma)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Punitive damages in rare, extremely egregious cases

Hiring an experienced product liability lawyer, like the attorneys at Plattner Verderame, can give an injured consumer a better chance of recovering damages that reflect their true losses. Your attorney can investigate design and manufacturing flaws, trace liability across supply chains, and work with expert witnesses to establish causation in order to build a strong case.

How to prevent e-bike battery fires

There are some ways to reduce the risk of an e-bike battery fire. If you have an e-bike or are considering purchasing one, you should review this list of safety tips:

• Opt for safe, certified products and only use certified e-bikes and chargers.
• Avoid purchasing an e-bike from a non-reputable online vendor or manufacturer.
• Use the manufacturer’s charger only and never leave the bike charging overnight or unattended.
• Give batteries about 30 minutes to cool following a ride before charging.
• Never charge a wet or visibly damaged battery.
• Only store batteries in a cool, dry place and keep them away from exits and flammable materials.
• Never place an e-bike somewhere that may block a fire exit.
• Never store batteries in your bedroom or under a bed.
• Do not throw lithium-ion batteries away in the trash; they must go to a designated battery recycling center or return program.

There are also signs to look out for that a battery might be at risk. Those include:

• Swelling or discoloration
• Strange odors
• Smoke
• Overheating or sparking
• Leaking fluid

If your battery does catch fire, leave the area immediately and call 911. Lithium battery fires can spread rapidly. Do not attempt to move them or to extinguish the fire yourself unless you have the correct equipment and training. Remember that even once extinguished, there is a chance that these fires can reignite. Once you’re safe, you should contact an attorney to discuss whether you have a claim.

Why choose Plattner Verderame

At Plattner Verderame, we have been providing clients in Arizona with award-winning legal advocacy for more than 30 years. Our firm has experience litigating cases involving exploding lithium ion batteries as well as defects in e-bikes. We’re prepared to take on large, powerful companies and ready to bring negligence cases all the way to trial. Our team gives careful, individual attention to every client and has experience representing individuals severely injured by defective products.

While e-bikes will likely continue to gain popularity, there will be careless and negligent manufacturers that make products that put consumers at risk. You can take steps to reduce the danger of an e-bike fire, but if you’re injured in one, you need to pursue all your legal options. Call Plattner Verderame today, or fill out our contact form to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. No one should suffer because a product turned out to be dangerous. Our team is here to help you hold the responsible parties accountable.