Lithium-ion batteries are used in phones, laptops, e-bikes, electric scooters and many other devices. While they are small and convenient, they can overheat or catch fire if they are damaged or charged in unsafe ways.
To stay safe at home, you should only use the charger that came with the device, keep batteries at room temperature and stop using any battery that becomes hot, swollen or gives off unusual smells. Charging e‑bike or scooter batteries indoors is especially dangerous because fires can start quickly and block exits. Batteries should be charged only in safe outdoor areas, away from doors and hallways. Following safety tips from the Seattle Fire Department helps protect homes, families and neighbors.