Fires involving personal mobility devices, particularly electric scooters, are spiking during the summer months. (Image courtesy of Chungnam Province)
HONGSEONG, Aug. 7 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent report from the Chungnam Fire Department in South Korea reveals a concerning trend: fires involving personal mobility devices, particularly electric scooters, are spiking during the summer months.
According to data released on August 6, out of 25 fires involving personal mobility devices recorded since 2019, nine incidents (36%) occurred during the months of July and August.
These fires have resulted in property damage totaling 130 million won, though fortunately, no casualties have been reported.
The frequency of these incidents has been on the rise. While only two cases were reported in 2019, the number jumped to nine in 2023 and six in the first half of 2024 alone.
Electric scooters accounted for the majority of incidents, responsible for 19 out of the 25 fires (76%), with electric bicycles involved in the remaining six cases (24%).
Investigators found that electrical issues were the primary cause, accounting for 32% of the fires. The fire department emphasized that the surge in summer incidents is likely due to the sensitivity of batteries to moisture and high humidity.
To mitigate risks, authorities are urging users to purchase only officially certified (KC certified) products. They also advise against leaving devices unattended while charging and recommend avoiding overnight charging.
“Given the batteries’ sensitivity to moisture, extra caution is needed during the humid summer months, both in storage and charging,” a department spokesperson stated. “We also strongly advise against operating these devices during rainy conditions.”
Additional safety recommendations include unplugging chargers once devices are fully charged to prevent overcharging, and avoiding charging near emergency exits or entrances to ensure clear evacuation routes in case of fire.
Park Jong-in, director of the 119 Response Division at the Chungnam Fire Department, noted, “As the adoption and use of personal mobility devices like electric scooters increase, we’re seeing a corresponding rise in fire incidents.”
He urged users to familiarize themselves with proper usage guidelines and safety protocols to reduce the risk of accidents.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
