From October 5–11, the National Fire Protection Association spotlights a vital fire-safety theme: “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Lithium-ion cells power the e-bikes and e-scooters that have become familiar sights in cities across Canada and throughout our CAPREIT communities. While these eco-friendly rides offer convenient mobility, their growing presence also brings new challenges for safely charging, storing and maintaining batteries in residential settings.
Most e-bikes and e-scooters are powered by lithium-ion batteries. They are compact, efficient, and powerful, but also carry risks. If damaged, overcharged, or exposed to heat, these batteries can ignite and cause fires that are difficult to extinguish.
Fire departments across the country have have raised concerns about lithium-ion batteries. In multi-unit residential buildings, like our CAPREIT communities, even a small fire can lead to widespread damage, evacuation, and serious injury.
Residents transporting e-bikes or e-scooters must only enter the elevator if it is empty. If other residents are present, please wait for the next available elevator to ensure comfort, safety, and accessibility for all.
Visitors and delivery personnel are not permitted to bring e-bikes or e-scooters into elevators or through common areas. These devices must be parked outside the building in accordance with local bylaws.
Providing safe, compliant storage for battery-powered devices requires specialized infrastructure, ventilation systems, fire suppression, and secure access. Until housing providers are provided guidance by municipalities or provincial regulators, we’ve chosen not to offer communal storage for e-bikes and e-scooters.
We continue to monitor industry developments and municipal pilot programs exploring safe micromobility storage solutions. As technology and safety protocols evolve, we’ll revisit this issue with resident safety as our top priority.
Micromobility is here to stay, but it must be managed responsibly. By following safety guidelines and respecting your community regulations, residents can enjoy the benefits of e-bikes and e-scooters without compromising the wellbeing of others.
For more information, visit your city’s transportation safety website, speak with your community management team, or explore the NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week resources:
https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week.
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