Don’t buy or use ‘universal’ chargers with e-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards due to fire risk, safety agency warns

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges consumers of micromobility products – including e-bikes, e-scooters, self-balancing scooters or hoverboards, and e-unicycles – not to use chargers that are marketed as “universal” or suitable with general categories of micromobility devices to avoid fires and injury or death, unless they’ve been tested and approved to work safely with your device.

Chargers marketed as “universal” or suitable for general categories of micromobility devices may fit into your device but still be incompatible with it, the agency said in a statement.

Each micromobility battery has specific charging needs that require the use of a compatible charger.

Chargers with descriptions such as “suitable for use with e-bikes” or “suitable for use with X brand e-bikes” may be incompatible with your device. Using an incompatible charger can cause the battery to ignite and result in a serious fire.

Between Jan. 1, 2023, and May 16, 2024, the CPSC received 156 reports of fire and thermal incidents involving “universal” chargers for micromobility products, including reports of serious injuries and property damage.

Use only the charger provided with your micromobility device. If you don’t have the charger that was provided with it, contact the manufacturer of for information about compatible replacement chargers, the CPSC advises.

Before buying or using a replacement charger, make sure it’s been tested and approved to work safely with your device. Don’t use a charger that came with another micromobility device without confirming compatibility.

To further lower the risk of fire, take the following steps when charging your micromobility product with the correct charger:

• Unplug the charger from it when the charge cycle is complete. Don’t leave the charger plugged into the device for long periods of time. 
• Always be present when charging it, and never charge it while you’re sleeping.
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on how often you should charge your battery if you aren’t regularly using it.

Comments

[Doris]

Great reminder! Always use the right charger for your micromobility device to avoid fires and injuries. Stay safe!