E-scooters spark fire concerns

Lithium-ion batteries continue to raise safety concerns.

The batteries are commonly found in toys, phones, and electric transportation such as e-scooters and e-bikes.

The use of electric transportation vehicles has increased noticeably following the launch of Scooty Mobility rentable e-scooters and bikes in Markham. The lithium-ion batteries that power them are well tested, but they are not flawless.

“Lithium-ion batteries are not like regular batteries,” said Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg. “When they fail, they can unleash a chain reaction that results in an intense fire that can spread in seconds, release toxic smoke, and make escape incredibly difficult.”

York Region warns that batteries contain combustible, flammable materials. When crushed or overheated in garbage and recycling trucks or at waste depots, batteries can catch fire and put people at risk. Several fires have occurred at York Region waste depots because people threw batteries in the garbage or recycling.

Battery disposal is tricky because neither Markham’s nor Stouffville’s waste pickup services accept lithium batteries. Both cities have designated drop-off locations that locals should use. To find the locations, visit either townofws.ca or markham.ca.