E-bikes, e-scooters, and rechargeable gadgets are more popular than ever, offering a fun and eco-friendly way to get around. However, the lithium-ion batteries that power them are introducing a rapidly growing risk to Canadian homes.
This risk is escalating at an alarming rate. In a recent 2026 report, it was revealed that Toronto’s lithium-ion battery fires are up 250% since 2022, placing an enormous strain on first responders and property owners alike.
According to Toronto Fire Chief Matthew Pegg, these specific battery fires now pose one of the most significant public safety risks in the country due to how quickly and aggressively they burn. "Since 2022... the city of Toronto has seen well north of a 200 per cent increase in the number of fires involving lithium-ion batteries," Pegg recently warned. "They're so unstable once they go into thermal runaway... we can't bring them out down a stairwell."
While a traditional room fire might take several minutes to spread, a compromised lithium-ion battery can cause a room to reach "flashover" —where everything combustible suddenly ignites—in roughly 90 seconds. Since these fires burn incredibly hot, release toxic gases, and escalate so quickly, knowing how to handle these batteries safely is crucial to protecting your family and your property.
Here is what you need to know about this emerging risk and how to keep your home safe.
Why are lithium-ion battery fires so dangerous?
When a lithium-ion battery is damaged or overcharged, it can enter a state called "thermal runaway." This causes the battery to heat up uncontrollably, often resulting in an explosive fire that releases toxic gases and is extremely difficult for firefighters to extinguish. Because the escalation happens in seconds, residents have very little time to react.
5 tips to safely charge and store your devices
To help keep your household safe, fire department and public safety officials recommend adopting these five essential charging and storage habits:
It can be tempting to buy a cheaper, aftermarket charger online, but these often lack the safety mechanisms designed specifically for your device's battery. Always stick to the charger provided by the manufacturer.
When purchasing a device or replacement battery, ensure it has been tested by a recognized safety testing agency. Look for certification marks like UL, ULC, or CSA on the battery and the charger.
Because these fires escalate so quickly, you need to be awake and present to unplug the device immediately if something goes wrong. Never leave e-bikes or batteries charging overnight or while you are not home.
Never charge or store an e-bike or e-scooter in a hallway, stairwell, or directly in front of your front door. If the battery catches fire, it could completely block your only safe escape route.
Stop using and charging the battery immediately if you notice it is unusually hot to the touch, swelling, changing shape, leaking, making odd noises (like hissing or popping), or emitting a strange odour.
Does my home or tenant insurance cover a lithium-ion battery fire?
If you own an e-scooter, e-bike, or other high-powered rechargeable device, we highly recommend speaking with your insurance broker or provider to review your policy.
As rechargeable technology evolves rapidly, you want to be absolutely sure your home, condo, or tenant insurance policy provides the protection you expect. If you are renting your home, a fire caused by a personal device like an e-bike can lead to massive liability costs for property damage to the building and neighbouring units—making a comprehensive tenant insurance policy absolutely essential to protect your finances.
