E-bikes fires: How big is the risk on Hilton Head? Here’s how to stay safe
E-bike fires frequently make headlines. Images of charred bikes ablaze with flames and smoke, paired with reports of injuries or even death, often incite fear in the minds of everyday people.
They burn hot. They spread fast. They’re difficult to put out. Should you be worried?
The short answer is no, as long as consumers take proper precautions.
“It’s not like we’re just seeing these things spontaneously combust,” Hilton Head Fire Rescue Deputy Fire Marshall said. “There’s usually some type of external factor that is causing them to catch on fire.”
Why e-bikes can pose a fire risk
The powerful batteries that allow e-bike rides to coast at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour can pose a dangerous risk if improperly handled.
E-bikes are powered with lithium-ion batteries, the same type of battery found in smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and vaping devices.
They’re great a storing large amounts of energy, but if damaged, improperly charged, or exposed to high temperatures, they can overheat, starting a violent chain reaction known as thermal runway.
These fires can blaze extremely hot, reaching temperatures of over 1000 degrees within seconds. The fires can start hours or even days after the battery is damaged, and can even re-ignite after being put out.
Globally, e-mobility devices, including e-scooters and hoverboards, have been linked to at least 2,741 fires and 97 explosions in 2024, according to safety certification company UL Solutions.
In high-density metropolises like New York City or London that have hordes of delivery workers whizzing through the streets on electronic-powered mobility devices every day, things can go wrong often enough to create a serious problem. Lithium battery fires caused 268 fires in NYC in 2023 alone, injuring 150 people and killing 18, Forbes reported.
In the quieter Hilton Head Island, e-bike fires are far more rare. Rogers recalls “maybe three or four” incidents in the last few years.
One such incident happened at Avocado Bikes, an e-bike rental company on Hilton Head Island. A manager reportedly “slammed” an e-bike against a post, damaging the battery and leading to a “small fire,” according to owner Ken Fagut.
“It was abuse, and not following protocol,” Fagut said. The shop’s policy is to disconnect batteries from the e-bike when not in use. No fires have happened at the shop since.
How to check for damaged batteries
Getting into an accident, leaving the device plugged in for too long, using a different charger than the one that came with the device, and even leaving the bike out in the sun too long have all been reported to lead to fires.
Signs of a damaged battery include:
- Swelling
- Smoke
- Off-putting smells
- Sounds when in use or charging
- Dents, cuts, punctures, or other physical damage
If you notice any damage, don’t use the device or plug it into a charger. Rogers advises not to store the device in your home or vehicle.
Figuring out how to dispose of the damaged battery safely can be a challenge — they can pose a risk if tossed in your home garbage. Some places like Home Depot that accept lithium-ion batteries might not take them if they’re damaged, Rogers said. He recommends that consumers contact the manufacturer to find out how to safely dispose of it.
Beaufort County Solid Waste & Recycle accepts lithium-ion batteries at its four big centers in Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort (Shanklin Rd), and St. Helena. Contact your local center to find out if they will accept damaged batteries.
Avoid aftermarket chargers, batteries
Lost your e-bike charger? Think twice before buying a new one for cheap on Amazon. Not using the original charger that came with the manufacturer can cause a fire, according to Rogers. At least one e-bike fire on Hilton Head has started this way, Rogers said.
The same goes for the batteries, which may need to be replaced after being recharged hundreds of times. To save money, some people may order cheaper replacement batteries online, which may not adhere to the same safety standards as the original battery.
Purchase replacement batteries from your bike’s manufacturer, and never use secondhand or refurbished batteries, which have led to scores of fires in New York. Using only UL-certified e-bikes and batteries can also reduce your risk.
Sometimes, the issue might not be with the bike itself, but a faulty outlet.
Jim Hall, owner of Hilton Head Bicycle Company and The Bike Doctor, was vacationing with his family in South Forest Beach when a bike that was plugged into an outside wall outlet caught fire.
“There was (sic) burnt char marks all around the outlet,” Hall said. He contacted the property owner, who replaced it with a shock-protected outlet.
Hall is an avid cyclist, and an officer for Bike Walk Hilton Head, a group that advocates for making island more bike-friendly. He sees e-bikes, when used responsibly, as a way to reduce car traffic and help older cyclists with hip or knee issues get out and exercise. But he worries that fears about the dangers of e-bikes can lead communities to make hasty decisions without looking at the data.
“It’s a real concern,“ Hall said. “It’s not like it doesn’t happen. But it’s so rare.”
Fagut, the owner of Avocado Bikes, believes e-bikes are safe as long as they batteries are high quality and the bike has a battery management system to monitor the battery pack.
“E-bikes are not going away,” Fagut said. “People find it joyful. It’s fun to be on an e-bike.”
This story was originally published June 25, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
