WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges consumers of micromobility products—including e-bikes, e-scooters, self-balancing scooters (hoverboards), and e-unicycles—not to use chargers that are marketed as “universal” or suitable with general categories of micromobility devices to avoid fires and injury or death, unless they have been tested and approved to work safely with your device. Chargers marketed as “universal” or suitable for general categories of micromobility devices may fit into your device but still be incompatible with it. Each micromobility battery has specific charging needs that require the use of a compatible charger. Chargers with descriptions such as “suitable for use with e-bikes” or “suitable for use with X brand e-bikes” may be incompatible with your device. Using an incompatible charger can cause the battery to ignite and result in a serious fire. Between January 1, 2023 and May 16, 2024, CPSC received 156 reports of fire and thermal incidents involving “universal” chargers for micromobility products, including reports of serious injuries and property damage. On September 5, 2024, CPSC issued a press release warning the public of the fire hazard posed by certain makes and models of these chargers.

This is a crucial safety precaution. Using an incompatible charger can lead to overheating, fire, or even explosion. For example, using a charger designed for a different type of device, such as a laptop, with a micromobility device charger can cause significant damage. The use of incompatible chargers can also result in a decrease in battery life and performance.

* **Safety:** Charging micromobility products requires careful attention to safety. * **Battery Management:** Proper battery management is crucial for the longevity and performance of the devices. * **Charging Habits:** Charging habits can significantly impact the lifespan of the batteries.