Theexplosion of an electric motorcycle caused a fire this Friday in a home in Reparto Garrido, in Camagüey, according to reports on social media.
According to the information shared on La Tijera's Facebook profile, the motorcycle exploded and the house caught fire. It is currently unknown whether there were any injuries.
The extent of the damage caused to the home where this incident occurred has also not been confirmed.
The increase in fire incidents related to electric motorcycles in Cuba has raised concerns among both the public and authorities, who attribute these incidents to the misuse of equipment by citizens, although this is also influenced by the limited availability of spare parts.
Negligence in the use of batteries, improper repairs, and lack of attention to safety regulations are among the main causes of these incidents, as explained earlier this year by Lieutenant Colonel Jorge García Arbelo, head of the Technical Unit for Fire Prevention of the Villa Clara Fire Department.
According to the report, one of the most common and dangerous practices is connecting batteries to the power source immediately after use, without allowing a cooling period of at least 30 minutes.
Furthermore, it is common for batteries to remain charging overnight, exceeding the recommended 7 to 8 hours, which significantly increases the risk of overheating and, consequently, fires, the firefighter emphasized.
This type of incident led two residents of a house in Santiago de Cuba to jump from the second floor of the building in March after their electric scooter exploded.
The incident occurred after the motorcycle exploded, which triggered a fire that quickly spread throughout the interior of the home.
At the time of the fire, there were two people in the house who, having no escape routes, "opened the gate of the second-floor door, smashed the glass of the door, and jumped into the street," Arias stated in his report.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Increase in Electric Motorcycle Fires in Cuba
Why are there so many electric motorcycle fires in Cuba?
The fires involving electric motorcycles in Cuba are primarily caused by issues with lithium batteries, which can explode if not handled properly. The lack of adequate maintenance, the use of limited spare parts, and overcharging of the batteries are factors that contribute to these incidents. Additionally, practices such as charging the batteries overnight or immediately after use without allowing them to cool down increase the risk of overheating and explosion.
What safety measures can electric motorcycle owners take to prevent fires?
Electric motorcycle owners in Cuba can prevent fires by taking safety measures such as charging the batteries in well-ventilated areas and away from flammable materials. They should also avoid leaving the batteries charging for more than 7 or 8 hours and not connect them immediately after use without a cooling period. Furthermore, it is essential to regularly check the condition of the batteries and avoid informal repairs that may remove safety systems.
What has been the response of the Cuban authorities to the increase in electric motorcycle fires?
Cuban authorities have intensified calls for prevention and emphasized the importance of adhering to recommended safety regulations to prevent fires. However, the necessary infrastructure to ensure adequate maintenance and reliable services remains insufficient. The response of the firefighters has also been criticized for arriving late to fire incidents, leaving property owners with significant material losses.
What are the main causes of electric motorcycle fires according to experts?
According to experts like Lieutenant Colonel Jorge García Arbelo, negligence in the use of batteries, inadequate repairs, and a lack of attention to safety regulations are the main causes of electric motorcycle fires. This includes dangerous practices such as charging the batteries overnight, not allowing them to cool down after use, and using faulty electrical extensions.
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