Charging Electric Bicycle Suspected in Fatal Taiwan House Fire; Officials Urge Indoor Charging Ban

A house fire in Hsinchu County early this morning resulted in one fatality, with investigators preliminarily suspecting a charging electric bicycle as the cause. The Hsinchu County Fire Bureau is strongly advising residents against charging such devices indoors to prevent similar tragedies.

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In recent years, electric bicycles and lithium battery equipment have become increasingly popular. The public should choose products that meet safety standards and use them cautiously.

Recent years have seen a surge in the use of electric bicycles and lithium battery-powered devices. The fire bureau highlighted that many fires involving electric bicycles originate from thermal runaway of lithium batteries. To mitigate these risks, the public is urged to purchase products that meet safety standards, such as those with CNS national certification, and to avoid low-quality or unverified batteries.

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It is strictly forbidden to modify the vehicle's wiring, remove speed limiters, or replace batteries with non-compliant specifications.

Modifications to electric bicycles are also a concern. The fire department strictly prohibits altering vehicle wiring, removing speed limiters, or installing non-compliant batteries. Proper charging practices are essential for home safety. Devices should be charged on flat, hard surfaces in well-ventilated areas, away from flammable materials.

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Charging should be done on a flat, hard surface in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials. Avoid charging indoors or near sofas.

Charging should not occur indoors, near sofas, or while the device is in use or unattended, especially during sleep. Overcharging must be avoided, with battery levels ideally maintained between 20% and 80%. The power plug should be removed once charging is complete. Furthermore, physical impacts or drops can damage lithium batteries, potentially leading to internal short circuits and spontaneous combustion. Regular inspections are recommended, and any signs of battery damage, such as deformation, swelling, smoke, odor, or overheating, should prompt immediate cessation of use and professional inspection.

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If the battery shows signs of deformation, swelling, smoke, odor, or abnormal heating, stop using it immediately and have it inspected or replaced by a professional.