An e-bike that caught fire inside a Summit home and a hoverboard improperly tossed in the Transfer Station trash pit prompted the city to issue a safety alert Tuesday, July 28, warning residents about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries.
The Summit Fire Department responded the weekend of July 26–27 to a report of an e-bike that had been charging overnight inside a residence and began to smoke and spark. The homeowner moved the e-bike outside before the fire spread. SFD crews controlled the blaze and cooled the battery, and Union County Hazmat was called to safely pack and remove it.
No injuries were reported.
Then on Tuesday, July 28, staff at the Transfer Station on 40 New Providence Ave. had to shut down the facility for about 20 minutes after discovering a hoverboard with a lithium-ion battery dumped in the trash pit. Workers located and removed it before it was compressed.
Had they missed it, the consequences could have been severe. The city said the battery most likely would have started a fire, endangering staff and potentially closing the facility for several days.
What residents need to know
The city's safety alert outlined charging and disposal rules for any device with a rechargeable battery, including e-bikes, smartphones, and children's toys.
Charging safety:
- Do not charge devices longer than necessary; unplug once full.
- Never leave devices charging unattended or overnight.
- Always use the original charging cable. Generic chargers can deliver the wrong voltage and cause overheating.
- Charge on a hard, non-combustible surface such as concrete, tile, or stone.
- Keep charging devices away from curtains, carpets, or bedding.
- Do not use or charge damaged batteries.
Disposal:
Rechargeable batteries and devices should never go in household trash or in the Transfer Station trash pit. Instead, bring them to the electronics recycling shelf on the upper level of the Transfer Station at 40 New Providence Ave.
New state e-bike law
The incidents come nine days after New Jersey's new e-bike law took effect on Sunday, July 19. The legislation (S4834/A6235) requires riders to be at least 15 years old, hold a driver's license or e-bike license, and register their bikes. Some models now require liability insurance. Enforcement falls to local police departments, according to 6abc.
Residents with questions about battery disposal can contact the Transfer Station at 40 New Providence Ave. during operating hours. A Summit resident permit is required to enter the facility.
