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Lithium-Ion Battery Risks

October 21, 2025

Lithium-ion batteries power a huge range of devices we all use in our day-to-day. From cell phones and laptops to scooters, e-bikes, tools, and more. They offer great benefits in energy density and reusability, but they also carry risks. Knowing the dangers, and what you can do in prevention, helps reduce the odds of a fire or serious damage.

What Can Go Wrong:

  • Thermal Runaway: When battery cells overheat beyond what the battery design can safely contain (due to overcharging, short circuits, damage, etc.), a self-reinforcing rise in temperature can occur. This can lead to fire, explosion, or both.
  • Overcharging / Improper Charging: Using mismatched or damaged chargers; leaving devices charging for too long; charging in very hot or cold conditions.
  • Physical Damage and Aging: Impacts, punctures, swelling, or degradation over many charging/discharging cycles.
  • Environmental Stress: High heat, moisture, freezing, or exposure to direct sun.
  • Defective or Non-Certified Parts: Knock-off replacements or unapproved chargers lack proper safety protections.
  • Ignoring Warning Signs: Bulging, hissing, leaking, odd odors, or excess heat.
  • Risk of Reignition: Even after extinguishing, some lithium-ion battery fires can restart if damaged cells remain unstable.

Real Life Examples:

Scooter / E-Mobility Device Fires

Fires involving e-mobility devices like scooters and e-bikes have grown in recent years.

Research shows that once thermal runaway begins, a battery can release visible smoke, followed by fire or even explosion within seconds. In confined spaces, like apartments or garages, flashover can occur rapidly, leaving very little time to escape.

Air Travel Risks

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a safety alert on September 9, 2025 to airlines over risks from lithium batteries in aircraft passenger compartments, citing a large number of serious incidents. There have been 50 lithium-ion battery smoke, fire or extreme heat incidents reported this year in the U.S., the FAA said, and some of those have resulted in diversions or injuries.


What You Can Do: Response & Protection Strategies

  • Choosing & Buying
    • Buy from trusted manufacturers.
    • Look for safety certifications (UL, ETL, NRTL in the U.S.).
    • Select batteries/devices with built-in safety features like temperature sensors or good battery management systems.
  • Usage & Charging Practices
    • Use only the charger that came with your device or a certified equivalent.
    • Charge in cool, ventilated, dry areas.
    • Avoid charging unattended — especially overnight.
    • Don’t use makeshift power setups or extension cords not designed for your device.
  • Storage & Maintenance
    • Store at room temperature — avoid extremes of heat or cold.
    • Inspect regularly for swelling, leaks, or cracks.
    • Replace batteries that show wear before failure occurs.
  • Disposal & End-of-Life
    • Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in household trash.
    • Use certified e-waste programs or hazardous recycling centers.
    • Cover or tape terminals before transporting damaged or used batteries.
    • Follow recall instructions if your device is affected.
  • Fire Preparedness & Mitigation
    • Install smoke alarms near charging/storage areas.
    • Keep a fire extinguisher suited for electrical/battery fires.
    • Charge on non-combustible surfaces and away from flammable materials.
    • Avoid charging in locations that block exits or escape routes.
    • For larger devices (e-bikes, scooters, spare battery banks), consider fire-proof storage containers or charging outdoors.
  • Business Level / Policy Steps
    • Create clear internal safety policies for charging/storage.
    • Track product recalls and safety alerts.
    • Train staff on battery handling and recognizing warning signs.
    • Designate safe charging rooms with ventilation and fire suppression if your workplace relies heavily on battery-powered tools or fleets.

Summary: Smart Habits = Real Protection

Lithium-ion batteries make modern life more convenient, but they come with risks. By buying quality products, using proper charging practices, storing batteries safely, and preparing your home or workplace for fire safety, you can dramatically reduce those risks. For a quick reference, here is a PDF from Integrity Insurance, one of the carriers Robertson Ryan Insurance works with.

If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your Robertson Ryan Insurance Agent.

*Please note that we rely on independent sources, and recommend conducting further research or to seek guidance from a qualified industry professional, legal counsel, or licensed insurance agent as appropriate for your needs. These blog posts are intended for general informational purposes only.