MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. – A fire on Mackinac Island over the weekend is believed to have been sparked by an exploding e-bike battery -- the island’s 10th e-bike-related fire.
Read: ‘Explosion-proof bag’ fails to contain e-bike battery explosion on Mackinac Island
E-bikes are only allowed on the island for people with mobility issues, and even then, strict limits apply to how powerful and fast they can be.
According to authorities, smoke was spotted at about 7:30 a.m., Saturday, April 25, from a building on Cadotte Avenue. A Good Samaritan called 911 and attempted to contain the blaze before emergency crews arrived.
Firefighters entered the building, extinguished the fire and threw the burning e-bike battery out a window. Authorities said the battery had been stored in an “explosion-proof bag” -- but the bag failed to contain the explosion.
The fire comes less than a week after an exploding e-bike killed an Upper Peninsula resident.
Officials are urging people to be cautious with e-bikes due to the fire risks.
E-bike safety: What riders need to know
- E-bikes and e-scooters typically run on lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat, catch fire or even explode if damaged, defective or misused. Fires fueled by these batteries burn extremely hot and release toxic gases.
- Experts recommend only purchasing and using devices, batteries and chargers listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Riders should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use only the original or compatible charger and battery.
- When it comes to charging and storage, riders should avoid charging past full and charge devices one at a time to prevent circuit overload. Batteries should be kept at room temperature.
- Batteries should also be kept away from direct sunlight, hot vehicles, liquids and children, and should be stored away from exit doors and flammable materials.
- Repairs should only be performed by a qualified professional. Lithium-ion batteries should never be thrown in the trash -- they should be recycled or disposed of according to local waste guidelines.
- Riders should stop using a battery immediately if it shows any warning signs, including unusual odor, color change, excessive heat, physical deformation, leaking, smoking or an inability to hold a charge.
- If a fire breaks out, leave the area immediately, do not attempt to fight the fire and call 911.
More e-bike safety tips can be found on the official National Fire Protection Association website.