On May 23, 2025, a power-assisted bicycle spontaneously ignited less than a minute after its owner parked it outside the Sheng Siong Supermarket located at Block 105 Canberra Street. The incident occurred around 5:40 PM and was reported by Shin Min Daily News.
Quick Action by Nearby Staff
According to Shin Min Daily News, Staff from a nearby eatery quickly sprang into action, utilizing three fire extinguishers in an attempt to control the flames. Despite their efforts, the fire kept reigniting, and witnesses reported that the e-bike exploded five or six times during the ordeal. The Singapore Civil Defence Force later confirmed that the fire was caused by the battery of the bicycle.
Fortunately, the fire was eventually extinguished using a water jet, and no injuries were reported.
Incident Details
The owner of the e-bike, identified as Wu (transliteration), 40, had parked his bicycle outside the eatery before heading to the supermarket on the second floor. He stated, “I went shopping for less than 10 minutes, and when I came down, I saw many police officers and firefighters. I didn’t expect that my e-bike caught fire.” Surveillance footage from the eatery captured the moment the e-bike began to emit smoke shortly after being parked.
Background on the E-Bike
Wu purchased the e-bike less than a year ago for S$1,400. He confirmed that the bike had not been modified and still used the original battery provided by the manufacturer. However, the warranty had expired six months prior to the incident. Wu mentioned that he primarily used the e-bike for commuting and charged it infrequently, approximately once every two weeks.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential hazards associated with electric bicycles, particularly concerning battery safety. As e-bikes become increasingly popular, it is crucial for owners to remain vigilant and ensure their devices are in safe working condition.
Image Source: Shin Min Daily News