Electric motorcycles have caused 32 fires in Villa Clara so far this year

The rise of electric motorcycles in Cuba, which have become an essential alternative due to fuel shortages and the collapse of public transportation, is increasingly accompanied by a growing risk: fires related to their batteries.

In the province of Villa Clara alone, the Fire Department reports 32 incidents between January and October of this year, resulting in material losses estimated at around 95 million pesos.

According to statements made to the Cuban News Agency (ACN), the residential sector has been the most affected, with 20 fires occurring within homes; another ten were recorded on public roads and two in state institutions.

Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto Lima Guevara, head of Operations of the Department, warned that the most critical situation is directly impacting the citizens, who not only lose their vehicles but also material goods and, at times, the security of their homes.

Authorities identify the main causes as user negligence and inadequate repairs of batteries, particularly in electric motorcycles.

Jorge García Arbelo, head of the technical fire prevention unit, emphasized that improper handling increases risks: connecting batteries while they are still hot without allowing them to cool for at least 30 minutes, overcharging them beyond the eight hours recommended by manufacturers, getting them wet while washing the motorcycle, or exposing them to sunlight.

This is compounded by the use of damaged extensions and informal repairs, factors that increase the likelihood of explosions and fires.

The problem, however, is not exclusive to Villa Clara.

In recent months, similar fires have been reported in Santiago de Cuba, Havana, Sancti Spíritus, and Guantánamo, many of them occurring within homes and posing a risk to families.

Last week, a fire in the city of Holguín was caused by the explosion of a previously repaired lithium battery. Although the firefighters managed to control it, the house suffered structural damage and its occupants lost belongings.

In other cases, such as one that occurred in September in the Lawton neighborhood of Havana, the lack of response from the firefighters forced the neighbors to extinguish the flames on their own.

Specialists warn that the situation is worsening in the Cuban context, where the national electrical system is unstable, with frequent blackouts and voltage fluctuations that directly affect the charging of devices.

The lack of original chargers and dependence on questionable quality spare parts ultimately turns these vehicles into a constant source of danger.

In light of the increasing number of incidents, several basic recommendations have been issued: do not overload batteries, disconnect them when they reach 100%, avoid leaving them charging overnight or unattended, keep them away from flammable materials, and always use original chargers.

However, the implementation of these standards in a country with resource constraints proves challenging, and resorting to makeshift solutions remains the norm.

Meanwhile, the demand for motorbikes continues to rise. For thousands of Cubans, they represent the only option for daily mobility, but also a latent risk amid the economic crisis.

The proliferation of fires reflects not only the recklessness of some users but also the lack of strict regulations and an effective system for controlling and educating about the safe use of these vehicles.

The situation in Villa Clara is just one example of what is happening across the island: the motorbikes alleviate the lack of transportation, but they also create new dangers that authorities have yet to control.

Frequently Asked Questions about Electric Motorcycle Fires in Cuba