Are you facing challenges with your apartment building's policy on electric scooters? You're not alone. Many buildings are implementing bans on e-scooters, primarily due to concerns about fire safety related to their lithium-ion batteries. However, there's a solution that could appease landlords and ensure safety: the Levy Electric Scooter with its fireproof, UL-certified batteries.
The Core Issue: Fire Hazards from Lithium-Ion Batteries
The heart of the issue lies in the potential fire hazards posed by the lithium-ion batteries used in e-scooters. Cities like New York have seen a significant increase in fires caused by these batteries. In one year, nearly 200 incidents were reported, a steep rise from just 44 two years earlier (THE CITY). This uptick in incidents has led to heightened concerns among property managers and landlords.
Why Are These Batteries a Concern?
Many of these fire incidents stem from improper maintenance and unauthorized repairs of batteries (The Cooldown). Batteries repaired by untrained technicians or those that are poorly maintained can overheat, leading to dangerous situations. Certified batteries, like those in some electric bikes and scooters, have a lower risk because of their robust Battery Management Systems (BMS) that prevent overcharging and overheating, which are absent in non-certified batteries (Streetsblog New York City).
In our previous blog post we get into the details of the primary cause of some of these fires, which is often the result of improper equipment or faulty repair work.
The Levy Electric Scooter: A Safer Alternative
This is where the Levy Electric Scooter comes in as a game-changer. Our scooters are equipped with fireproof, UL-certified batteries, designed to address the safety concerns that landlords have. The Battery Management System in our scooters is engineered to prevent the kinds of thermal events that lead to fires, making them a much safer option for apartment dwellers.
Most e-bike and electric scooter batteries look like this. The cells are assembled then wrapped with a PVC outer shell that offers minimal water proofing and puncture protection. But most notably, in the event of a internal combustion with just one of the cells, there is nothing preventing the fire from spreading outside of the pack.
With the Levy Electric battery pack, the cells are wrapped and then inserted into a strength 6061 series Aluminum-alloy outer shell. In the event that the battery pack would ever have an internal combustion, the sealed case prevents exposure and thermal runway from ever escaping the self-contained enclosure.
By choosing a Levy Electric Scooter, you're not only selecting a convenient mode of transportation but also ensuring that you comply with the safety standards that apartment buildings are increasingly looking for. You can learn more about our scooters and their safety features here.
Convincing Your Landlord
Armed with this information, you can approach your building management to discuss the possibility of allowing a safer alternative like the Levy Electric Scooter. Highlight the UL certification and the advanced safety features of the battery. This demonstrates your commitment to safety and responsibility, potentially leading to a reconsideration of the ban.
Additionally, given the batteries are fully removable - you don't even need to bring your scooter in for charging. Many people will choose to remove the battery and charge it somewhere more convenient.
You can also reach out to our support team directly and we are happy to help facilitate that conversation.
The rise in e-scooter related fire incidents is a legitimate concern for apartment buildings, but it doesn't mean the end of convenient personal transportation. With the Levy Electric Scooter, you can enjoy the benefits of an e-scooter while adhering to the highest safety standards. It's about balancing the need for convenience with the imperative of safety – and with Levy, you get the best of both worlds.
