New Allianz data reveals the devices most commonly linked to lithium battery fires

• Despite ongoing media coverage regarding e-scooter and e-bike fires, new Allianz data reveals that the devices most involved in lithium-ion battery fires at home are in fact, multi-purpose batteries used in torches, power and garden tools, and other common household appliances.
  
• In 2025 (Jan to Dec), batteries, and tools used around the home and garden attributed to 59% of lithium-ion related claims across Australia¹ (battery cells 29%, power/garden tools 30%). 
  
• E-bikes and e-scooters were the cause of 33% of lithium-ion-related house fires in 20251 (e-bikes 14%, e-scooters 19%).
  
• Chargers caused the remaining 8% of lithium-ion related incidents¹, which could include those used for mobile phones, vacuum cleaners, and other devices.
  
• Highlighting the need to help Australians reduce lithium-ion battery related fires in the home, Allianz claims data reveals that total home and contents claims due to lithium-ion battery-related incidents amounted to nearly $16.7 million in 2025¹.

Sydney, 10 February 2026 – Allianz Emerging Risk Manager, Chris Wood said: “We want to highlight that it’s not just e-bikes and e-scooters that Australians need to be careful with. Our claims data points to the batteries, power and garden tools that are sitting in many of our sheds, garages and utility spaces.

“We're hoping to help change behaviour around these devices in the home and the ways to care for lithium-ion batteries. Our data has told us that these fires occur typically when people are asleep, so it’s essential for people to be aware and remain vigilant.”

To help Australians care for lithium-ion batteries and take steps to prevent these fires in their home, Chris Wood shares his top tips:

1. Charging etiquette is of paramount importance when it comes to preventing these fires so it’s important that we:
   
   
   • Consider installing a smoke alarm in your charging area, such as your garage – interconnected smoke alarms are best.
     
   • Ensure devices are attended or in-sight while they are charging (for example, not overnight while you and your family are asleep).
     
   • Once it’s charged, turn it off and unplug it.
     
   • Use charging cables that are specific to that device, as supplied by the device manufacturer. 
     
   • Keep the device, battery, charging cords and devices away from flammable materials such as bedding and clothing.
      
2. Damage (abuse such as by impact, over-heating, over-charging) should be top of mind. Lithium-ion batteries are often knocked around, especially when it comes to power tools, but rough handling, drops, overheating and overcharging can result in internal damage and malfunction fire. These items should always be handled with care.


3. Location is important for owner occupant safety, therefore positioning devices, batteries, and chargers away from doors can help allow safe exit from the premises in the unfortunate instance of a fire. 
   
   
   • A common area for battery and tool storage and charging, garages are now the most frequently involved area in house fires (32% almost 1/3), followed by the kitchen / dining areas; that’s up from 25% in 20202. Garages are no longer just a carpark, but have become a multi-purpose storage area.
     
   • Unlike bedrooms and hallways, garages rarely have smoke alarms installed, are often cluttered, and may store other hazardous items such as fuels and solvents.