2 weeks Ago By Korea Bizwire
A parking space for electric scooters (Image courtesy of Jungeup City) SEOUL, Feb. 21 (Korea Bizwire) — A fatal house fire in Changwon, suspected to have been caused by an electric bicycle battery charger, has reignited concerns over the safety of personal mobility (PM) device batteries, authorities said on February 20. The fire, which broke out on February 14 in Uichang-gu, Changwon, claimed the life of a Vietnamese international student.
Investigators believe the fire started near the entrance of the house, where an electric bicycle battery charger was located. The student attempted to escape but was unable to do so as the flames spread quickly, ultimately succumbing to smoke inhalation. Police have requested forensic analysis from the National Forensic Service to confirm the exact cause of the fire.
This incident follows a similar case in February 2024, when a fire linked to a PM battery erupted in an apartment in Jinhae-gu, Changwon, causing injuries to five residents and resulting in approximately KRW 54 million ($37,500) in property damage. The frequency of PM-related fires has been steadily increasing. According to fire authorities, electric bicycle and electric scooter fires nationwide rose from 86 cases in 2020 to 165 in 2022, with 156 reported in 2023.
Over the past five years, property damage from such incidents has exceeded KRW 5 billion ($3.47 million). Experts warn that just as electric vehicle (EV) battery fires have drawn heightened scrutiny, PM battery safety must also be a priority.
Like EVs, PM devices rely on lithium-ion batteries, which are susceptible to thermal runaway due to overcharging, physical impact, or high temperatures. Unlike EVs, however, PMs are often stored indoors, increasing the risk of significant casualties when fires occur. Both recent Changwon fires resulted in severe human losses due to PM devices being kept inside residential spaces.
Ahn Dae-young, a professor of fire safety engineering at Kyungnam University, emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures. “Consumers should ensure their PM devices are equipped with a Battery Management System (BMS) to prevent overcharging. Some products on the market lack this critical feature, so buyers should verify its presence before purchasing.
” He also stressed the importance of proper storage, warning against placing PMs near exits or building entryways where fires could quickly block escape routes. “With shared electric scooters often left unattended in high-traffic areas, the government must strengthen public awareness campaigns and designate specific storage areas, similar to electric vehicle charging stations, to minimize fire hazards,” Ahn added. The incidents underscore the growing need for stricter regulations and preventive measures as South Korea grapples with the rising risks associated with personal mobility devices.
Ashley Song ( [email protected] ).
