The issue of lithium-ion battery fires triggered by e-scooters and e-bikes has emerged as a significant public safety concern in Ontario, particularly in Toronto. The city's fire chief has labeled these fires as the "greatest public safety risk" facing Toronto, highlighting the alarming trend in incidents linked to these batteries. In 2023 alone, Toronto has recorded over 100 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, a figure that has alarmingly increased by 214 percent over the past three years.
Chief Jim Jessop's 2025 annual report to the City Council shed light on this growing threat, emphasizing the increasing challenges that firefighters encounter in responding to these incidents. He noted the severity of the situation, with fatalities and critical injuries already reported. A particularly disturbing trend for firefighters is the occurrence of explosions from batteries while they are conducting primary searches within buildings where these bikes are stored.
Fire officials attribute the surge in lithium-ion battery fires to a combination of factors, including a lack of regulation and improper storage practices. When these batteries fail, they can enter a state known as thermal runaway, a dangerous chain reaction leading to rapid overheating, explosions, and flying projectiles. These hazards have prompted officials to call for stricter regulations to enhance public safety.
In response to this urgent safety issue, the provincial government of Ontario announced new legislative measures aimed at curbing behaviors that contribute to the problem. Solicitor General Michael Kerzner stated that amendments would be made to the fire code to prohibit the modification of batteries, which can lead to them powering e-bikes and scooters at higher speeds than intended. Furthermore, the new regulations will ban the storage of e-bikes and e-scooters in apartment hallways, a common practice that has been linked to the rising incidence of battery-related fires.
Kerzner emphasized the importance of ensuring that certified batteries are used only for their intended purposes, thereby reducing the risk of dangerous modifications. The Ontario fire marshal's office has reported a sharp increase in lithium-ion battery-related fires across the province, not just from e-bikes and e-scooters but also related to a variety of household devices including laptops, smartphones, and portable chargers.
The new laws are expected to be implemented by 2027, reflecting the government's commitment to addressing the public safety risks posed by lithium-ion battery fires. As the number of incidents continues to rise, both fire officials and government agencies are under pressure to take decisive actions to safeguard the community and prevent further tragedies associated with this emerging hazard.
