A growing global scourge
In 2023, New York recorded 268 lithium-ion battery-related fires, causing 18 deaths and 150 injuries. In London, 48 electric bicycle fires and 12 electric scooter fires were recorded in 2023. In Montreal, the number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries exploded: from 24 incidents in 2022 to 71 in 2024, an increase of 195%.
In France, recycling professionals are warning that not a day goes by without a fire being reported in sorting centers, with at least 40 incidents recorded in 2023, almost double the number in 2022.
This phenomenon particularly affects low-cost electrification kits. The figures speak for themselves, revealing a worrying reality: the electrification boom is accompanied by an increase in incidents linked to poor-quality batteries.
When tests reveal the truth
Studies conducted in the UK by the University of Warwick for the UK Product Safety Authority subjected dozens of batteries to extreme abuse tests in the laboratory. The result: it was impossible to trigger a single incident on standard certified e-bike batteries.
The study establishes a clear correlation: the lower the price per unit of energy of batteries, the greater the safety risks. This direct relationship between cost and hazard can be explained by two main factors.
Incompatibility, the #1 risk factor
Buying a battery from one manufacturer on AliExpress at 200€, combining it with a motor from another manufacturer and using a “universal” charger creates a hazardous assembly. These three elements have never been tested together. No validation of compatibility, no guarantee of integration, no suitable BMS (Battery Management System).
London firefighters are particularly warning about batteries bought online, which “may not meet appropriate safety standards”. A Guardian investigation with Electrical Safety First revealed numerous faulty chargers on eBay, Amazon and Wish, fitted with non-compliant sockets and no fuses.
When an unsuitable charger is used, the risk of electrical or thermal abuse becomes critical. Lack of communication between components prevents intelligent management of charging and discharging.
Component quality, factor no. 2
200€ batteries have dangerous systemic characteristics:
- 3rd or 4th choice cells from downgraded lots
- A non-existent or faulty BMS unable to protect against overloads
- No overheating or short-circuit protection
- No EN 62133 or EN 50604 certification
The Fédération nationale des sapeurs-pompiers de France stresses the crucial importance of quality lithium-ion cell assembly and system management by the BMS.
The UK fire service warns, “Converting pedal bikes to electric bikes using DIY kits bought online can be very dangerous. They present a higher risk of fire”.
The urgent need for systemic solutions
The problem goes beyond individual behavior. Thousands of low-end batteries arrive in Europe every month without certification or inspection. The industry is calling for :
- Strict import standards: systematic customs checks to verify certifications
- Pressure on marketplaces: making Amazon, Cdiscount and eBay accountable for the products they sell
- Full traceability: obligation to document the origin and testing of each component
- Consumer education: raising awareness of the real cost of security
In France, the Bureau d’analyse des risques et pollutions industriels (BARPI) has noted a significant increase in the number of events involving lithium batteries: 41 incidents recorded in 2024, almost double the number in 2022.
The Syklo approach: safety without compromise
Syklo batteries cost a minimum of €500, twice as much as an AliExpress battery. This price difference reflects an incomparable level of security:
Certified cells: Exclusive use of cells from recognized manufacturers, with full traceability and conformity testing.
Intelligent BMS: real-time monitoring with multi-level protection against overload, overtemperature and short-circuits.
Individual fuses: Each cell is protected by a dedicated fuse, as used by Bosch or Tesla, to prevent the propagation of faults.
Laboratory certifications: Tests carried out to EN 62133 and soon EN 50604 standards by independent bodies such as LCIE.
Guaranteed compatibility: each battery is tested in real-life conditions with the PowerTrail Z8 motor, validating the system’s complete integration.
Secure fast charging: 0-100% charge in 1h30 thanks to an intelligent charging protocol that protects cells.
An investment in tranquillity
This demanding approach comes at a cost, but it guarantees peace of mind. Serious manufacturers like Tern emphasize that “cyclists shouldn’t have to worry about their electric bikes catching fire while they’re riding”.
Electrification should enable safe driving, not turn an apartment into a time bomb. The New York Fire Department recommends that citizens only purchase appliances equipped with lithium batteries certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
Accepting to pay the price of safety remains the only way to curb this epidemic of fires. Between a €200 battery that can destroy a home and a €500 certified battery that protects lives, the choice should be obvious.
Towards tighter regulation
New York passed local laws 39 and 40 making uncertified lithium-ion batteries illegal, leading to over 1,000 violations and 46 criminal citations in 2023. Europe needs to learn from these measures to effectively protect its citizens.
The future of electric mobility depends on collective awareness: battery safety cannot be an optional luxury. It must become the norm, even if it means assuming the additional cost of reliable, certified technology.
At Syklo, this safety requirement guides every technical and commercial decision, so that electrification rhymes with serenity rather than risk.
Sources: Fire Department of New York (FDNY), London Fire Brigade, Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal, Bureau d’analyse des risques et pollutions industriels (BARPI), British Product Safety Office.
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