Buzz
Most electric scooters utilize lithium-ion batteries, similar to phones and other devices. Risks associated with explosions can entirely occur if abnormalities arise during usage. When a lithium-ion battery ignites, it releases energy in the form of heat, and extinguishing the resulting fire is challenging.
This is not difficult to explain because the chemical components inside to form the cathode, anode, and electrolyte of the battery are all highly flammable substances. Electric scooter fires are not something unfamiliar, and there have been numerous cases of electric scooters catching fire in Vietnam. To minimize this occurrence, below are some points for users to note.Avoid using counterfeit batteries
'Battery modification' is a familiar concept among electric scooter enthusiasts, especially for older models with a range of only a few dozen kilometers per charge or for those who have been riding for a long time and their batteries are deteriorating. In the past, when I used to ride the Klara A1, I planned to upgrade the battery to increase the range, which would cost around tens of millions of dong. But after some consideration, I found it too expensive, and seeing the small battery cells packed into a large stainless steel box and placed inside the scooter trunk made me apprehensive, so I decided against it. In reality, there is no guarantee that these self-made battery packs will operate the safest, and if something goes wrong, it can be very inconvenient.Use authentic chargers
In the early days when electric scooters, and electric vehicles in general, were just starting to be sold, I noticed that using the original charger was essential. However, as electric vehicles became more popular, alternative charger options began to emerge on the market, mostly from Chinese brands. In my opinion, there aren't as many safety-assured accessory options for electric vehicles as there are for phones. Therefore, while it may be tempting to buy cheaper external chargers for convenience, it's advisable to seek out reputable brands, if available, or else invest in original chargers for safety.Avoid placing the charging adapter inside the scooter trunk while charging
Carrying the charger in the scooter trunk is a common practice among electric scooter users because you never know when the scooter might run out of battery while on the road. However, because the charger is inside the trunk, it can lead to the bad habit of just plugging it in without taking the adapter outside. High-powered chargers can become very hot during charging, even with integrated cooling systems. Keeping it inside the trunk and closing it will hinder the charger's heat dissipation, potentially leading to hidden risks of fire or explosion.Monitor the Battery Status
A significant decrease in range after each full charge is a sign that the battery's condition is no longer optimal. If it's a removable battery, check its appearance for any deformities. For scooters with batteries located under the floorboard, inspect the floorboard for any abnormalities. If there are difficulties, it's advisable to seek assistance from authorized maintenance centers to assess the battery's condition.
