An early morning explosion forced a Long Beach family to evacuate their home. The incident happened recently, around 4:20 a.m. A lithium battery from one of the kids’ e-bikes suddenly ignited in the living room.

Ian and Qiana Mafnas, owners of Axiom Kitchen BBQ in Long Beach, shared the experience on their restaurant’s Instagram.

The battery fire started while the family was asleep, but quick action from Ian and their sons kept the flames from spreading

The fire was extinguished without serious injuries, though smoke, water, and toxic residue left the home uninhabitable.

The Mafnas family now faces several months of cleanup and repair. The lithium fire left behind hazardous contamination, requiring specialized remediation before the home can be safely reoccupied.

Lithium-ion battery fires are more visible as e-bikes, scooters, and EVs grow in popularity

The technology offers high energy density and fast charging, but it comes with risks when improperly stored, charged, or manufactured.

Thermal runaway, the chemical chain reaction triggered by overheating or physical damage, can cause batteries to catch fire or explode. These fires burn at extremely high temperatures and release toxic gases.

Unlike traditional fires, they often require more than water to suppress and can reignite hours later.

The automotive industry has already responded with increasingly robust battery management systems in EVs

Efforts include thermal shielding, software controls, and redundant safety layers.

E-bike batteries, though, vary widely in quality and safety. Off-brand or aftermarket cells, improper storage, and overcharging can dramatically increase risk.

“Countless injuries and far too many deaths”

In 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission held a forum to discuss the growing dangers of lithium batteries. The group focused specifically on e-bikes and other smaller mobility vehicles containing these batteries.

The agency urged manufacturers to quickly recall defective mobility products prone to sudden fire, and encouraged consumers to understand their risks and proper use.

Now, CPSC openly warns of injuries and deaths involving e-scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards.

To reduce fire hazards, the CPSC has specific recommendations

• Buy only certified products that meet safety standards
• Always supervise charging, use the original charger, and never charge while sleeping
• Only use approved batteries and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
• Don’t use modified or rebuilt battery packs
• Dispose of lithium batteries properly at recycling centers or hazardous waste sites

E-bike collisions and loss of control are major risks, too

Riders should always wear a helmet, inspect the device before use, and stay alert. 

Many e-bike crashes happen because drivers don’t see riders, so it’s important to stay visible, slow down, and use a bell or horn. 

Avoid sudden moves and watch for obstacles. Keep both hands on the handlebars and ride solo. Never ride under the influence, and always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines, including weight and age limits.

MotorBiscuit reached out to the Mafnas family via the Axiom Kitchen BBQ Instagram page for comment.