An electric scooter explosion caused a fire in a garage in central Matanzas on Monday morning, fortunately without any loss of life. The incident took place inside a garage on Calzada General Betancourt, in the Consejo Popular Playa area of the city, according to a report by the official newspaper Girón.
Videos shared with our newsroom show a large column of smoke rising from the fire site, a testament to the intensity of the flames, which miraculously did not spread to other parts of the house. Fires involving electric scooters have caused significant property and resource losses for Cubans, including the tragic deaths of entire families. Such was the case for residents of a home in the Luyanó neighborhood in the Diez de Octubre municipality, where all family members perished.
More fortunate were the residents of a house on Callejón de Guma between Mujica and San Gabriel streets in Matanzas, who experienced a fire due to an electric scooter explosion. Last Friday, another fire involving several electric scooters completely destroyed a workshop and part of a home in the Lawton neighborhood of Havana.
Safety Recommendations for Electric Scooters
To prevent such incidents, experts recommend being extremely cautious with battery repairs. Additionally, it is advised to charge these scooters in visible locations where the owner can monitor the process and to avoid sleeping while the scooter is charging. It is also suggested to charge the scooter away from fuel containers and other flammable materials like furniture, curtains, and cardboard, preferably in isolated areas away from access points.
Common Questions About Electric Scooter Safety
Given the recent incidents involving electric scooter fires, we have compiled some frequently asked questions and their answers to help our readers stay safe.
What causes electric scooters to catch fire?
Electric scooters can catch fire due to faulty batteries, improper repairs, or charging in unsafe conditions.
How can I prevent my electric scooter from catching fire?
To prevent fires, ensure that battery repairs are done by professionals, charge the scooter in a visible and safe location, and avoid charging near flammable materials.
Is it safe to charge my electric scooter overnight?
It is not recommended to charge your electric scooter overnight, as it is safer to monitor the charging process and be present to address any issues that may arise.