We never thought an Ebike would be the thing that turned our lives upside down.
Like many families, we were excited to invest in an electric bike. It seemed like the perfect choice for short commutes, weekend rides, and giving our kids a fun way to enjoy the neighborhood. It felt modern, efficient, and harmless.
But we quickly learned that not all ebikes—and more importantly, not all e-bike batteries—are created equal. On January 23rd
, without warning, our ebike battery exploded in the garage. The fire spread fast. Within minutes, our entire home was engulfed in flames.
We lost everything. Our three beloved cats. Every piece of clothing, every childhood memento, every toy and toothbrush. Our cars, keys, documents—gone. We were left with only the clothes on our backs and the trauma of seeing our lives consumed by something we thought was safe.
That fire started from a battery we didn’t know was defective. We didn’t overcharge it. We didn’t abuse it. We simply plugged it in. What happened next changed our lives forever from this ebike.
The EBike That Changed Everything
The ebike we owned was the engwe. After the fire we looked up the reviews and this has happened to many other people. We followed all the instructions, used the original charger, and kept it stored properly. Still, the battery failed catastrophically. This model is still available online, and while we cannot definitively say that every unit is unsafe, our experience should be a red flag for anyone considering a similar product. They are still being sold everywhere and on amazon. Please be careful.
ENGWE ebike safety hazard
The Hidden Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Electric bikes typically run on lithium-ion batteries—the same technology found in phones, laptops, and electric vehicles. When they’re well-designed and properly regulated, they’re generally safe. But when they’re poorly manufactured, overcharged, or damaged, they can become deadly.
Ebike battery fires are on the rise. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, lithium battery fires have caused over 200 injuries and at least 19 deaths in the U.S. between 2021 and 2023. Many of these fires start while batteries are charging. For us it was attaching the batteries to the bike getting ready to take off on it. The ebike blew up about 2 minutes after the batteries were inserted.
What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
If you or someone you love owns an e-bike, here are steps you can take right now to avoid becoming the next tragic story:
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Buy Certified Batteries Only
Always choose ebikes and batteries that are UL 2849 certified. This safety standard ensures the bike has been tested for electrical and fire hazards. -
Never Leave Batteries Charging Unattended
Charging lithium-ion batteries generates heat, and if left plugged in beyond their recommended charging time, they can overheat and enter thermal runaway—a rapid, self-sustaining reaction that can cause fires or explosions. Without supervision, minor faults or manufacturing defects can escalate within minutes. Always charge batteries within sight, on a non-combustible surface, and never overnight or when you are away from home. Monitoring the charging process lets you act immediately if the battery becomes hot, starts to emit unusual odors, or shows any sign of distress.
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Charge in a Safe Space
Don’t charge batteries in living areas or near flammable items. If possible, charge them in a detached garage or outside (weather permitting), on a non-combustible surface. -
Use the Charger That Came With Your Bike
Mixing brands can overload the battery. Stick to the original charger and never use third-party cords or adapters. -
Inspect Your Battery Often
If it’s hot, swollen, cracked, or has a chemical smell—stop using it immediately. -
Store Properly
Avoid extreme temperatures. Don’t keep the battery in direct sun, near heaters, or in freezing conditions. -
Dispose of Old Batteries Safely
Never throw lithium batteries in the trash. Use a local battery recycling service or hazardous waste disposal site.
What We’re Doing Differently Now
After the fire, we did our research on ebikes. We now use only UL-certified products and store any batteries in fireproof battery safety bags, like these:
We’ve also installed a fireproof safe for our documents:
And we now keep a rechargeable fire extinguisher by every power station:
These small changes give us peace of mind. But nothing can undo what we’ve been through.
Why I’m Sharing This
We didn’t know what we didn’t know. And now we want to make sure you do. If this message helps even one family avoid what we went through, it’s worth it.
We’re rebuilding our lives, one product at a time. I’ll continue reviewing home safety products, fireproof storage, everyday essentials, and gear we wish we’d had before the fire. This isn’t just about shopping smarter—it’s about living safer.
So if you own an e-bike, or are thinking of buying one, please share this story. Be cautious. Ask questions. Don’t assume all batteries are safe just because they’re for sale.
We didn’t. And it cost us everything.
Join Us as We Rebuild
Sharing this story is not easy, but it’s necessary. What happened to us could happen to anyone. And if we can prevent even one other family from experiencing this kind of loss, then it’s worth being vulnerable and open about what we’ve endured.
This blog, my reviews, and every post I share are part of our healing. We’re rebuilding our life one product at a time—from the essentials we never thought twice about, to the fire safety gear we never imagined needing.
We’re creating a home again. Every package we receive isn’t just a product—it’s a symbol of progress, of reclaiming what was taken from us, and of taking control of our future.
If you’re going through something similar, or even if you’re just looking to make safer, smarter choices for your household, I invite you to follow our journey. We’re sharing reviews, tips, lessons, and a whole lot of heart.
📱 Follow us on TikTok: @sillymunk for product reviews, behind-the-scenes clips, and fire recovery tips.
📦 Check out our Amazon recommendations: Sillymunk Amazon Page
Your support helps us continue. Your presence reminds us we’re not alone. Thank you for being here.
Stay safe. Stay aware. Keep going.
—Hilary
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