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Adelaide: Electric bike explodes inside suburban home

Daniela PizziraniNCA NewsWire
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Camera IconNot Supplied Credit: NCA NewsWire

An electric bike has triggered chaos in one South Australian home after it burst into flames and exploded.

The family home in Adelaide’s west is “significantly damaged” after the e-bike’s battery caught alight just before 10.30am on Monday at a property on Anzac Highway in Camden Park.

Metropolitan Fire Service station officer Craig Attard said fire crews rushed to the home, where a mother and daughter had fled after noticing a burning smell and smoke coming from the battery.

“They tried to get to the bike to remove the bike out of the premises initially, but it accelerated into flames quickly so they moved out and shortly after it exploded,“ he said.

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An electric bike has erupted in a family home in Adelaide, setting a house alight. Picture: Nine News.
Camera IconA mother and daughter have escaped a dramatic electric bike explosion. Nine News. Credit: NCA NewsWire

“An explosion like that with batteries exploding on the face or the skin can be horrific so they were very lucky.”

The battery, which was purchased online, was responsible for an estimated $200,000 in damage to the inside of the house.

Mr Attard said fires starting from the eco-friendly mode of transport were becoming more common and urged owners to be aware of the risks.

“The safety procedures are not catching up to that new technology, so just be wary of them like we are,” he said.

Earlier on this year, Mr Attard said fires like these were usually linked to overcharging of batteries, using non-compliant or non-compatible batteries and charging equipment or people building their own batteries at home.

“These are choices that could cost you your life, your home or your garage.” he said.

“Never overcharge batteries. Always use compatible, genuine batteries and chargers and never try to make your own battery.”

Originally published as Adelaide: Electric bike explodes inside suburban home

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