How not to explode

October 14, 2025

By Kim Komando

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere, powering your phone, laptop, iPad, toothbrush, e-bike, EV and power bank. We love them because they’re compact, rechargeable and efficient. But when things go wrong? They go really wrong.

Fires caused by lithium batteries are becoming more common and more dangerous. A small phone battery can ignite a couch. Now imagine what a beefy e-bike battery could do if it overheated in your garage.

🔥 Why these fires happen

If lithium batteries are damaged, defective, overcharged or get too hot, they can enter something called thermal runaway. This is a chain reaction where the battery can’t cool down and catches fire or explodes.

And no, it’s not just cheap knockoffs. Fires have started in brand-name devices, too. But cheap chargers, off-brand batteries and poor storage make things way worse.

💻 Laptop + device safety

• Never leave your laptop or phone in a hot car or on a windowsill in the sun.
• If it feels unusually warm, unplug it and power down.
• Use a free app like Core Temp (Windows) or Macs Fan Control (Mac) to monitor temps. Over 175°F? Bad news.
• Got an old phone you’re not using? Don’t toss it in a drawer. Store it in a fireproof bag. They’re $20 on Amazon and worth every penny.

🚲 E-bike safety (big one)

• Only buy e-bikes with a UL 2271-certified battery. That label means it passed real safety tests.
• Use the charger that came with your bike. No cheap replacements.
• Never charge it indoors, especially overnight or when you’re not home.
• Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sun.
• If your battery smells weird, hisses or bulges, unplug the bike immediately and call the fire department.

Please, send this to someone with a laptop, an e-bike or a junk drawer full of old phones. These tips could literally save a life.

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