A coroner's inquest highlights the deadly consequences of using incompatible chargers with e-scooters. Firefighters investigate the rising trend of lithium-ion battery fires across Australia.
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| A Queensland home gutted by a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery. Image: Queensland Fire Department/ Via ABC News |
Queensland, Australia - January 17, 2025:
Firefighters in Australia are urging the public to avoid mixing and matching lithium-ion battery chargers, warning of the heightened risk of fires and explosions. According to an ABC News report, lithium-ion batteries were responsible for 183 fires in Queensland last year, a sharp increase from previous years.
Daren Mallouk, head of Queensland's Fire Investigation Unit, identified incompatible chargers as a major contributor to fires involving e-scooters and e-bikes. "If you're charging the device with a charger that isn't designed for it, it often leads to problems, either immediately or over time," Mallouk explained. He highlighted the dangers of "thermal runaway," a process where overheating battery cells ignite and lead to volatile fires.
“These fires are extremely difficult to extinguish,” Mallouk noted. "Once thermal runaway starts, ordinary fire extinguishers or blankets may only buy you time to escape, but the fire often reignites."
A tragic incident in 2022 underscores the risks. A young Queensland man died after a fire erupted in his e-scooter, linked to an incompatible charger. The coroner attributed the fatality to an "uncontrolled thermal runaway event" involving a Zero 10 model electric scooter and a mismatched Nami Burn charger.
Lithium-ion battery fires have been on the rise, with 129 incidents recorded in 2023 and 97 in 2022. As these batteries power an increasing number of devices, firefighters fear the trend will continue.
Mallouk urged consumers to avoid purchasing second-hand e-scooters or chargers, especially from platforms like Facebook Marketplace, where the history and compatibility of devices are uncertain. "Many are sold without chargers, leading buyers to use substitutes that may not meet safety standards," he said.
To mitigate risks, Mallouk recommended only using chargers bearing regulatory compliance marks, ensuring they meet Australian electrical safety regulations.
With lithium-ion devices becoming more prevalent, authorities are calling for greater awareness to prevent further tragedies.