E-bikes caused 21000 fires in China last year!

First things first - a massive thanks to FRISSBE summer interns Liliana Martinez and Rauan Adikey (from IMFSE) for their very significant contribution to this newsletter - you outdid yourselves!

In a previous Burning Matters post, "Ban e-mobility devices!", we delved into how these technologies have reshaped urban transportation, but also the considerable fire risks associated with their lithium-ion batteries. This week, we'll focus more on strategies for navigating the complex safety landscape surrounding these innovative, yet potentially hazardous devices, and especially on their prevalence in China where e-bikes are widely used.

E-mobility devices such as e-scooters and e-bikes have become a very popular mode of urban transport in China in recent years. They are convenient, produce less carbon emissions than many alternatives, and provide an efficient means of travel. However, it is important to keep in mind the fire risks associated with their lithium-ion batteries. According to a recent overview by Rob Sherman, these batteries can overheat and catch fire due to factors like improper charging, damage, or manufacturing defects. The prevalence of these devices, combined with the potential fire hazards, necessitates a closer examination of safety protocols and regulations to ensure the responsible use of e-mobility technologies in urban areas.