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An electric motorcycle caught fire in a public street this Wednesday in the city of Guantánamo, with no reports of damage to others or injuries.
The incident occurred on Calixto García Street, between Prado and Aguilera, in the city center, as reported on Facebook by the user Carlos Pérez, who shared images and reflections about the event.
The incident affected only the vehicle, which was completely burned in a matter of minutes. No explosions were reported, nor were there any damage to nearby homes or other vehicles.
The incident was witnessed by passersby and drivers, some of whom recorded the moment when the motorcycle was engulfed in flames while black smoke rose above the street.
“This fact highlights once again the importance of strictly adhering to safety regulations when using electric scooters and bicycles, which are becoming increasingly common in our daily lives,” wrote the author of the post, who also shared some recommendations, such as charging the batteries in well-ventilated areas, avoiding doing so at night, not altering the original electrical system, and disconnecting the battery if any unusual smells or overheating are detected.
"Security does not only depend on the resistance of the equipment, but on the responsibility with which we use it. Every preventive measure is a step towards preserving what is most valuable: the life and peace of our families and the community," he concluded.
In recent months, multiple incidents of electric motorcycle fires have been reported in various provinces of Cuba, raising concerns among users and highlighting the need for stricter regulations and awareness campaigns regarding their safe use. These vehicles have become essential due to the fuel scarcity and the deterioration of public transportation, but incidents related to their batteries have increased significantly.
Last Tuesday, an electric motorcycle burst into flames on Galiano Avenue, in Central Havana, causing explosions that disrupted traffic and alarmed passersby.
In the municipality of Mayarí, Holguín, another vehicle began to emit smoke just minutes after being parked, eventually becoming engulfed in flames. The quick response of firefighters and locals prevented a greater tragedy.
A month earlier, a fire sparked by an electric motor in Guantánamo was attributed to a battery that had been recently repaired, which once again highlighted the risks associated with informal modifications to this equipment.
Also in Holguín, the explosion of a motorbike inside a home caused considerable material damage and raised alarms about the lack of technical control in the domestic use of these vehicles.
In a more tragic case, an elderly man lost his life in Sancti Spíritus after a fire caused by a scooter that exploded inside his home in Zaza del Medio, with neighbors unable to rescue him in time.
Among the most common causes identified by experts and firefighters are prolonged loading, poor battery quality, informal repairs, and the lack of safety standards in the storage of this equipment.
Although the authorities have not released official figures, citizen reports and independent media document dozens of incidents each year related to motorcycles and electric tricycles.
Frequently asked questions about electric motorcycle fires in Cuba
Why do electric motorcycles catch fire in Cuba?
Electric motorcycles in Cuba mainly catch fire due to battery failures, which can be caused by prolonged charging, poor quality of components, informal repairs, and a lack of safety standards in storage. These combined factors create a latent risk that manifests in increasingly frequent fires.
What safety recommendations should be followed to prevent fires in electric motorcycles?
To prevent fires in electric motorcycles, it is recommended to charge the batteries in well-ventilated areas, avoid charging them at night, refrain from modifying the original electrical system, and disconnect the battery if any unusual smells or heat are detected. Safety depends not only on the equipment but also on the responsibility with which it is used, so following these recommendations can help prevent incidents.
What is the impact of electric motorcycle fires on the daily life of Cubans?
The fires involving electric motorcycles have raised alarm and concern in Cuba, as these vehicles are essential for mobility in light of fuel shortages and the decline of public transportation. The incidents not only cause material damage but have also resulted in loss of life, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and awareness campaigns regarding their safe use.
What actions are the Cuban authorities taking to prevent fires from electric motorcycles?
Until now, the Cuban authorities have not published official figures nor established strict regulations to prevent electric motorcycle fires. However, the increasing frequency of these incidents has prompted independent media and citizens to document dozens of accidents annually, underscoring the urgent need for government intervention in this matter.
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