It seems like CPSC is increasingly having to warn the public about fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries in products like e-bikes, hoverboards, and electric scooters. But even good batteries can cause fires when used with incompatible chargers.   

Today, the Agency warned that SafPow SPC-42020 and AMPOWSURE ASP-C10S42020 battery chargers (sold on Amazon and eBay) were inaccurately marketed as “universal” chargers, when they were actually incompatible with certain devices, posing a fire and burn hazard and creating a serious risk of injury and death. To date, the Agency knows of 47 reports of fires associated with these chargers causing over $100,000 in damages. Stop use immediately and properly dispose of these chargers. 

This hazard appears to be broader than the specific chargers the Agency is warning about today. In the first four and a half months of 2024, CPSC received 156 reports of fire and thermal incidents involving "universal” chargers for micromobility products, including reports of serious injuries and property damage.

In general, I urge those with e-bikes, hoverboards, and e-scooters to take the following steps to prevent fires[1]:

• Only charge your battery with the supplied charger. If you need to replace your charger, get the replacement from your original manufacturer. 
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper charging and unplug the device when it reaches full charge.
• Never use a device with a battery pack that has been modified/reworked by unqualified personnel or with re-purposed or used cells.
• NEVER throw lithium-ion batteries into the trash or general recycling. Instead, take them to your local battery recycler or hazardous waste collection center.

Yours in Safety,

Commissioner Richard L. Trumka Jr.

*The views expressed in this statement are solely the views of Commissioner Trumka and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Commission.

[1]https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2024/E-Scooter-and-E-Bike-Injuries-Soar-2022-Injuries-Increased-Nearly-21