A fatal incident in Western Sydney has raised serious concerns about the safety of lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes after a fire claimed the life of a 21-year-old Pakistani student.
Haider Ali, who worked as a delivery rider for Uber and DoorDash, was asleep in his shared residence when the battery of his e-bike exploded early Tuesday morning. Firefighters arrived at the scene around 5 a.m. and managed to contain the fire to a single room, but Ali was unable to escape. Five other residents survived the incident.
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The President of the Pakistan Association of Australia, Hamid Saroha, has issued a public warning, advising people to avoid using low-quality e-bikes and chargers powered by lithium batteries. He stressed that these incidents are becoming more frequent and pose a serious risk to lives.
Neighbors described the horrifying event, with Bruce McPherson, who lives nearby, recalling a loud explosion followed by intense flames. He recounted seeing smoke pouring out of the roof and a person standing outside engulfed in flames.
Ali’s friends and colleagues are now working to raise funds to send his body back to Pakistan so his family can bid him a final farewell. A GoFundMe campaign is being set up to cover the repatriation costs.
Growing Risk of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
The tragedy has reignited discussions on the dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries, particularly in personal mobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters. Fire and Rescue NSW reported 28 lithium battery-related fires since the start of 2025, following 323 similar incidents in 2024.
Emergency responders highlight the extreme volatility of these battery fires, which are difficult to control and release toxic smoke. Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry explained that once ignited, lithium battery fires spread rapidly and are challenging to extinguish.
Data from Monash University’s Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit indicates a sharp increase in e-bike-related injuries. Between 2017 and 2023, 534 people in Victoria required emergency treatment for e-bike injuries, with cases rising from 0.2 per 100,000 people in 2017 to 3.4 in 2023.
Calls for Stricter Safety Regulations
Experts are urging the implementation of stricter regulations on lithium-powered mobility devices to enhance user safety.
Dr. Hadi Haghani, an associate professor at the University of Melbourne specializing in urban mobility and resilience, pointed out that a lack of accurate data on e-bike-related incidents makes it difficult to formulate effective policies. He emphasized the need for clearer safety standards, licensing regulations, and proper monitoring of battery-powered vehicles.
Authorities are advising e-bike users to purchase models that comply with Australian safety standards and follow proper charging precautions, such as avoiding overnight charging and keeping batteries away from flammable materials.
The tragic death of Haider Ali has brought attention to the hidden dangers of e-bike batteries and the pressing need for improved safety awareness and regulations. As investigations continue, the community is rallying to support Ali’s family during this difficult time.
