“Charge and store the battery preferably at room temperature, and charge it when you’re home so you can take action if needed,” Saijah van Gurp advises. An e-bike battery exploded while charging Tuesday evening in a home on Griftstraat in Helmond, Omroep Brabant reported.
Three Brabant homes hit by battery fires in days
Monday evening, a fatbike battery caught fire from a short circuit in a home on Bansingel in Oudenbosch, 112Brabant reported. The residents and their dog escaped unharmed, though the house suffered significant smoke damage; the exact extent of the damage remains unclear. Over the weekend, a fire broke out in a home on Leunisdijk in Esch when a battery charging in an outbuilding ignited. The Esch fire was also caused by a short circuit, and together these three cases show that the risk of damage is considerable when batteries are not treated or charged correctly.
Helmond battery exploded after same-day purchase
According to Omroep Brabant, the Helmond battery had been bought that afternoon and placed on the charger inside the house before exploding Tuesday evening. The battery was a lithium-ion model, and Van Gurp emphasizes that this type of accident is not unique but part of a worrying trend. The incident prompted renewed warnings from the Veiligheidsregio Midden- en West-Brabant, where Van Gurp works on the “Ik Laad Accuraat” campaign.
Why 100 household batteries create risk
Van Gurp notes that the average household contains roughly 100 batteries, found in laptops, toys, electric toothbrushes, remote controls, thermostats, speakers, bike lights and e-bikes. Fires often start when charging goes wrong.
Van Gurp’s charging rules for e-bike owners
Van Gurp recommends placing batteries on a stable, clear, non-flammable surface during charging and ensuring a clearly audible smoke detector is present in the room. She warns against charging phones on couches or in bed, which can cause fires if devices overheat. Insulation from bedding or upholstery can trap heat and increase the risk. The Veiligheidsregio advises using only the supplied charger, as imitation chargers can damage batteries even with matching specifications. Removing the battery once fully charged extends its lifespan, particularly for e-bikes and e-scooters. Batteries should be charged at least every three months even if unused, and e-bike and e-scooter batteries should undergo annual maintenance to catch unseen damage. Specialists should carry out this maintenance. Without proper ventilation, heat buildup can lead to thermal runaway.
What Helmond residents should know about battery safety
Can I charge my e-bike battery overnight?
Van Gurp advises charging only when you are home so you can intervene if something goes wrong. Avoid charging in freezing temperatures, direct sunlight or damp conditions, which can cause overheating and battery damage.
Do imitation chargers really damage batteries?
The Veiligheidsregio’s Ik Laad Accuraat initiative warns that imitation chargers can damage your battery even when they appear to have the same specifications as the original, according to Omroep Brabant.
How often should I charge an unused e-bike battery?
Even unused batteries slowly discharge and can become damaged. The regional safety authorities recommend charging them at least once every three months.
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