Toronto Fire chief calls e-bike battery fires 'largest growing fire safety risk in the city'

Toronto's fire chief is asking the federal government to increase regulation around lithium-ion batteries, calling battery fires related to e-bikes and e-scooters "the largest growing fire safety risk in the city."

The batteries are commonly found in electric cars, laptops, smartphones and other electronic devices, but Chief Jim Jessop says their use in e-bikes and e-scooters is Toronto Fire's main concern. As more people have started using these modes of transportation to get around, he says the number of battery fires is increasing.

In the city this year, Toronto Fire has recorded 29 fires caused by e-bike and e-scooter batteries. That's up from 25 in 2024, and three in 2023.

"Toronto Fire Service has done everything within our power to protect the public at this point, which is prima