Mobility Scooters and Runaway Fires
As people become more reliant on lithium-ion battery powered mobility scooters, the greater the urgency for a solution to an increasing number of explosions and thermal runaway incidents.
Unfortunately, the data now proves that personal mobility devices have a higher risk of battery fire overall and a greater risk of injury, fatality, and property loss due to lithium-ion overcharging.
John O’Callaghan, creator of the Switch Star power outlet, is campaigning to educate the retirement living sector in a bid to galvanise residents, village managers and insurers to act quickly before homes – and potentially pets – become statistics.
THE HARD REALITY
In its submission to the inquiry, EV FireSafe said that mobility scooters presented the highest fire risk of any consumer goods containing lithium-ion batteries, and voiced its concern that there is no government-approved risk management plan for these types of fires. EV FireSafe’s data shows that for personal mobility devices, there are battery fire incidents occurring weekly in Australia. Several verified deaths are tragically now on record as are multiple injuries.
It also expressed concern about lithium-ion battery ‘fire extinguishers’ on the market, which are being aggressively marketed to emergency services. However, the company stated that the many of the products “are untested or undertested and may actually increase risks to users and responders.”
An increasing number of thermal runaway incidents are occurring where a battery, typically in a lower quality or converted device, overheats to the point of explosion. Frighteningly, these incidents are more common in modified devices, when an incompatible or damaged charger is used, or when devices overcharge.
Insurers
Insurers are now looking closely at new builds and residential homes to ensure that there is a Switch Star power outlet or similar installed in the laundry or garage to mitigate potential explosions and out of control blazes caused by electric mobility scooters and items powered by lithium-ion batteries.
John’s view is that these issues need to be addressed as quickly as possible, noting recent fires, with education as the focus of his marketing campaigns.
Visit our FAQ page for more information: https://switchstar.com.au/faqs/
“EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE ONE.”
JOHN O’CALLAGHAN – MANAGING DIRECTOR, SWITCH STAR