Safe Charging Tips

Across the country, fire officials are seeing an increase in the risk of fires caused by high-voltage Lithium-ion batteries used to power electric vehicles, electric bicycles, and electric scooters. If not used correctly, these batteries may overheat, catch fire, or explode. Lithium-ion battery fires give off toxic gases and they burn extremely hot. 

Wellesley Fire Department officials are reminding residents to follow all manufacturers guidelines and practice basic safety tips to safely charge batteries and reduce the risks of fires. 

If you have questions or concerns, the Fire Prevention office can provide assistance. 

Electric Vehicles: Safe Charging at Home 

• Use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
• Read and follow all manufacturer directions.
• Check chargers and cords for damage before using. NEVER use if damaged.
• Do not use extension cords with chargers.
• Install charging equipment in safe locations. Keep away from busy areas and things that could catch fire. 
• Keep charging equipment out of reach of children and animals when not in use. 
• Cover charging station outlet to keep water out.
• Before charging an EV at home, have a qualified electrician:
  • Check your electrical system to make sure it can handle charging.
  • Install a new circuit just for your charging device.  

WARNING! EVs have high voltage batteries. Battery maintenance should be performed only by the manufacturer. DO not touch the orange high voltage cables. 

Electric Bike & Electric Scooter Safety Tips

• Only purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly. 
• Always follow instructions from the manufacturer.
• Only use the battery and the charger that were designed for, and came with, the device.
• Do not keep charging the device or the device battery after it is fully charged.
• Only charge one device or device battery at a time to prevent overloading any circuits.
• Keep batteries at one temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32⁰ F or above 105⁰ F.
• Do  not store batteries in direct sunlight or inside hot vehicles, and keep them away from children and liquids.
• Store e-bikes, e-scooters. and batteries away from exit doors and anything that can get hot or catch fire.
• Only have device repairs performed by a qualified professional. 
• Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycling is always the best option. Take batteries to a recycling location or contact the RDF for specific disposal information. 

Watch for Signs of a Problem! Stop using the e-bike or e-scooter if you notice any of these problems with the battery: unusual odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking, smoking, or not holding a charge.