Read this before your laptop or e-bike becomes fireworks

April 10, 2025

By Kim Komando

Maybe this photo is a little bit dramatic. BUT, electronics are exploding. 

Everything from your phone to your e-bike runs on lithium-ion. While batteries are small energy wonders, they’re also tiny explosives just begging for an excuse to ruin your day. Or your house. Or your entire block.

As temps rise, so does the risk, so let’s talk about how to stop your tech from turning into a five-alarm fire.

💣 Why batteries go boom

Lithium-ion batteries are basically Red Bull for your gadgets: compact, high-energy and way too volatile to be taken lightly. 

That’s why I don’t mess around, and neither should you. I had a staffer who wanted to charge his e-bike in the studios. When I told him nope, I got a dirty look that said, “She has no idea what she’s talking about.” Oh well, my name’s on the building, not his.

These batteries contain flammable electrolyte fluid, and if something goes sideways, like a short circuit, a fall, a shady charger or just a hot day, they enter a self-immolating spiral called “thermal runaway.” 

Translation: It cooks itself until BOOM. Larger tech like e-bikes and EVs carry bigger batteries, which mean bigger flames that are almost impossible to extinguish.

💻 Laptops and smaller gadgets

• Never leave your laptop in a hot car, near a heater or in direct sunlight.
• If it feels hot to the touch, shut it down and let it cool.
• Monitor its temp with apps like TG Pro (for Mac) or Core Temp or Real Temp (for Windows). If it hits 176° F,  that’s emergency spicy. 
• Got an old phone or device you’re not using? Don’t toss it in a drawer. Use a fireproof battery bag (10% off) for safe storage. Cheap insurance.

🚲 E‑bikes (and other big battery tech)

• Only buy e-bikes with UL 2271-certified batteries. If you don’t see the cert, assume it’s a firestarter with wheels. This tip alone is worth the price of my newsletter.
• Use the original charger only. Not the $11 one named “China’s Best ZappyFire” from Amazon.
• Store your e-bike in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight, and not inside your home or garage while charging.
• Never leave it charging overnight or when you’re not home.
• If the battery smells like chemicals, looks bloated or starts whispering “soon” … STOP.

Take special care of your e-bike before it goes full Ghost Rider. Lithium-ion battery fires have burned down homes, garages and entire apartment buildings. I’m super picky about where I store and charge my e-bike. You should be, too.

💡 Now do your friends a favor. Share this article so they don’t learn the hard (and smoky) way.

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