Avoid Economical Universal Chargers for e-Bikes, e-Scooters, Hoverboards, and e-Unicycles
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning on September 5, 2024, advising consumers to immediately stop using the SafPow SPC-42020 and AMPOWSURE ASP-C10S42020 battery chargers due to potential fire hazards and risks of serious injury and death.
The CPSC has received 47 reports of fire or thermal incidents involving these chargers, resulting in injuries and property damage totalling $100,200. The commission is urging consumers to dispose of these products immediately.
The warning comes as a result of specific safety concerns associated with using "universal" chargers for micromobility devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards. These chargers, which are designed to charge 36-volt lithium batteries, are not truly universal and can be incompatible with some products, causing connected batteries to ignite.
Lithium-ion batteries, common in micromobility devices, have high energy density but pose significant fire and explosion hazards if charged improperly or with non-compliant chargers. "Universal" chargers may not match the specific voltage, current, or communication protocols required by a device's battery system, leading to improper charging, overheating, or battery damage.
To reduce these risks, the CPSC advises using certified chargers designed for the specific device and battery type, following manufacturer guidelines, and utilizing public certified charging infrastructure. It is also recommended to be present when charging micromobility products and never charge them while sleeping.
The commission further advises against using "universal" or general category chargers for micromobility products unless they have been tested and approved for safety with the specific device. The brand names "SafPow" and "AMPOWSURE" should be avoided when purchasing battery chargers for micromobility products.
These chargers have been sold on Amazon.com and eBay.com from January 2021 to the present for between $10 and $31. CPSC has received 156 reports of fire and thermal incidents involving "universal" chargers for micromobility products between January 1, 2023, and May 16, 2024.
Consumers are advised to report any hazardous products or product-related injuries on the CPSC's website, www.SaferProducts.gov. It is crucial to ensure that any replacement charger has been tested and approved for safety with your specific device before use.
SafPow and AMPOWSURE have refused to conduct a recall for these defective chargers. In institutional settings such as the University of Miami, safety policies prohibit indoor charging to avoid risks of battery malfunction and fire, mandating device registration and safety inspections. In the case of fire or battery malfunction, users are advised not to touch or move devices and evacuate the area immediately due to potential rapid fire or explosion.
Fire risks are heightened when charging is done indoors at home with uncertified chargers or batteries, prompting public safety programs such as NYC’s "Charge Safe, Ride Safe" plan that encourages outdoor charging stations certified to mitigate hazards and reduce fire incidents.
In summary, the use of universal or uncertified chargers for micromobility devices can lead to serious safety risks including fires and device damage due to electrical incompatibility and lack of adherence to safety standards. Following the CPSC's advice and manufacturer guidelines can significantly lower these risks.
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