We hear a lot about battery fires on the news and usually it’s related to an e-bike or electric scooter but new data from Allianz has revealed the devices causing the most lithium-ion battery fires are rechargeable power and garden tools.
According to research from Allianz e-bikes and scooters are getting a bad rap.
It says 38 per cent of all lithium-ion battery fires are caused by rechargeable power and garden tools.
In 2024, the total claims due to battery related incidents amounted to $16.1 million.
After power and gardening tools, fires involving battery cells like torch or flashlight batteries were the second most common at 31 per cent followed by mobile phones 12 per cent, e-scooters 11 per cent and remote control toys and hobby devices including drones and ride on cars at 8 per cent.
“We want to highlight that it’s not just e-bikes and e-scooters that Australians need to be careful with,” says Chris Wood, Emerging Risks Manager at Allianz Australia.
“Our claims data points to the rechargeable power and garden tools that are sitting in many of our sheds, garages and utility spaces.
“We’re hoping to help change behaviour around these devices in the home and the ways
to care for lithium-ion batteries.
“Our data has told us that these fires occur typically when people are asleep so that’s a key thing for people to be cognisant of.”
Here are the Allianz tips to care for lithium-ion batteries and prevent fires in your home:
CHARGING
Charging battery-powered products properly will go a long way in preventing these fires so it’s important that you:
– Avoid charging these items in a space that doesn’t have a smoke detector.
– Avoid charging devices while you are sleeping.
– Disconnect or stop charging these devices once they are fully charged.
– Ensure devices are attended or in-sight while they are charging
– Use charging cables that are specific to that device.
– Keep batteries, chargers, charging cords and devices away from flammable materials
i.e., bedding and clothing.
DAMAGE
Damage should be something that’s at the top of your mind.
With power tools, the lithium-ion batteries get knocked around a bit.
These batteries should be handled with care and monitored carefully if they have been dropped or impacted.
GIFTING/SECOND HAND PURCHASE
Allianz says you also need to be careful if you are gifting items with lithium-ion batteries.
Last Christmas, Allianz research showed almost half of Australians (47 per cent) gifted products that may include lithium-ion batteries.
Recipients should be made aware of the item’s history if bought online or second hand as the battery may have been damaged making it a higher fire-risk to the recipient.
