Lithium-ion batteries in electric scooters cause fires.

Is it true that lithium-ion batteries in electric scooters cause fires?

Partly. A federal safety notice and a peer-reviewed burns review indicate lithium-ion batteries in micromobility products including e-scooters can cause fires, while a skeptics analysis argues lithium battery fire risk is far lower than commonly claimed. None of the sources quantifies scooter-specific fire causation.

Verdict: CONTESTED PARTIAL · 3 sources for, 1 against · Last checked 3 Oct 2026

The private library was unavailable for some searches in this check. Missing library results are not evidence against the claim.

Lithium and Electric Vehicle fires. (2026). data.gov.uk. https://data.gov.uk/dataset/lithium-and-electric-vehicle-fires1

Do 1.5% of lithium-ion batteries overheat, explode, or catch fire each year?. (2024). skeptics.stackexchange.com. https://skeptics.stackexchange.com/questions/56753/do-1-5-of-lithium-ion-batteries-overheat-explode-or-catch-fire-each-year

Safety Standard for Lithium-Ion Batteries Used in Micromobility Products and Electrical Systems of Micromobility Products Containing Such Batteries. (2026). federalregister.gov. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/24/2026-12749/safety-standard-for-lithium-ion-batteries-used-in-micromobility-products-and-electrical-systems-of

J, W., M, H., & Z, S. (2024). Riding Toward Danger: A Scoping Review of Burns Associated With Personal Mobility Devices, Including Electric Bikes (E-Bikes) and Electric Scooters (E-Scooters).. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1093/jbcr/irae115