'Backyard' e-bike battery repairs starting deadly fires, inquest told

A New South Wales inquest has reignited discussions about the dangers posed by lithium-ion battery fires, particularly those caused by unauthorized backyard modifications of e-bike batteries. Over the course of two weeks, the inquest has focused on four fires, two of which resulted in fatalities. Expert testimony reveals that many of these fires stem from unlicensed repairs and modifications, often guided by online content like YouTube videos.

Fire investigators from Fire and Rescue NSW have reported witnessing multiple incidents where backyard repairers, using soldering irons and components purchased from online marketplaces, have tampered with the batteries. These unregulated modifications often lead to temperature spikes, reaching up to 900 degrees Celsius within minutes, which can result in catastrophic explosions.

One survivor, Mazharul Haque Shohan, recounted how his e-bike battery exploded in his bedroom, causing severe burns. In another case, two women tragically died when a backyard repairer inserted mismatched pins and pierced the battery casing, leading to an explosion. The inquest is set to continue until the end of next week, highlighting the urgent need for safer practices in the modification and repair of e-bike batteries.