VIVI e-bike batteries face fire risk: Feel the pack, spot swelling, and park the charger before bedtime for safety

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By: Jessica Morrison

Several U.S. households have already reported battery-related fires, with swollen packs and late-night charging flagged as hidden risks. Safety officials warn of urgent steps riders must take before bedtime.

What’s changing and what it solves

Reports show that over a dozen incidents since early 2025 have been tied to overheating e-bike batteries. The most alarming factor is silent swelling of the pack, which often appears before smoke or flame. Experts stress that recognizing these early physical changes could prevent entire homes from being engulfed.

Step Detail Deadline
1 Check battery surface for swelling Daily before riding
2 Unplug chargers overnight Starting immediately
3 Store e-bike away from bedrooms Within 7 days
4 Replace any unit showing heat damage No later than 1 month

 

Who benefits and who doesn’t

E-bike riders who regularly inspect their packs could avoid catastrophic loss, but owners ignoring warning signs may face insurance disputes and financial strain. Safety groups say the cost of a replacement battery is minor compared with rebuilding a home after a blaze.
“Fire is merciless, but prevention is in your hands” — Jordan Ellis, Fire Safety Investigator

Exactly what to do if you ride daily

Experts recommend feeling the pack for heat after every ride, especially if temperatures exceed 85°F outdoors. Do not charge batteries in enclosed rooms, and never place chargers near curtains or bedding. Riders who commute every day should designate a ventilated space for charging, such as a garage corner with concrete flooring.

Watch next: October 2025 outlook

Insurers are expected to tighten coverage rules starting in October 2025, requiring proof of regular battery inspection for some urban riders. This could create friction between manufacturers claiming product safety and policyholders demanding relief. Riders who document battery checks now may find smoother claims processes later.

Early signal shows shifting risk perception

The pattern of reports since 2025 suggests that riders are beginning to treat battery health like tire pressure—routine but critical. If this perception continues, adoption of proactive charging habits may grow. It appears that the shift from casual to vigilant ownership could reshape how cities regulate e-bike storage in residential buildings.

SOURCES
https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases
https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research
https://www.energy.gov/ceser/battery-safety

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