KUALA LUMPUR, November 9 – Recent findings from the United Kingdom (UK) have raised alarms about the safety of lithium-ion batteries used in e-scooters and e-bikes, highlighting the potential for catastrophic consequences. Electrical Safety First, a UK organization, commissioned research by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) fire safety research team, which revealed the explosive nature of lithium-ion batteries and their tendency to undergo ‘thermal runaway.’ The BRE study discovered that in the UK alone, four individuals lost their lives in lithium-ion battery fires within the first three months of this year.
In addition to fatalities, there were numerous cases of people being hospitalized, suffering serious injuries, and causing extensive property damage due to such fires. The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is now urging the government to regulate e-mobility products, citing various serious safety issues that have been identified by BRE, ranging from manufacturing to usage. In Malaysia, micro-mobility vehicles are defined as any vehicle propelled by electrical means, internal-combustion engines, human power, or a combination thereof, with a maximum speed of 50 km/h.
While the scope of micro-mobility vehicles is broad, BRE focused its tests on e-scooters and e-bikes due to a significant increase in fatalities, injuries, and fires involving these vehicles. The release of the BRE study comes at a critical juncture for Malaysia, where e-scooters and e-bikes are also gaining popularity. It serves as a timely warning and provides an opportunity for preventive measures to be implemented before lithium-ion battery fires become a widespread concern.
To address this issue, SIRIM and the Malaysian Energy Commission are urged to consider the design and safety aspects of lithium batteries in e-scooters and e-bikes, guided by the recommendations from the BRE study. Lithium-ion battery fires are known for their intensity, explosions, and the release of toxic fumes. These fires can result from poor design and manufacturing defects that lead to short circuits. The report also highlighted the risks associated with the online availability of do-it-yourself (DIY) e-bike conversion kits.
CAP reiterates its call for the government to thoroughly assess the design and safety aspects of e-scooters and e-bikes to protect the lives of users and prevent potential hazards.
