A tragic incident in Western Sydney has raised urgent concerns about the safety of lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes after a devastating fire claimed the life of a 21-year-old Pakistani student. Haider Ali, a delivery rider for Uber and DoorDash, was asleep in his sharehouse when his e-bike battery exploded in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Fire crews responded to the scene at 5 a.m. and managed to contain the fire to a single bedroom, but Ali was unable to escape. Five other residents survived the incident. President of the Pakistan Association of Australia, Hamid Saroha, has issued a public warning, urging Australians to avoid substandard lithium battery-powered e-bikes and chargers. “Please do not use any sort of low-quality e-bikes that rely on lithium charging.

These incidents are becoming more frequent and can have deadly consequences,” Saroha emphasized. Neighbors described the harrowing scene. Bruce McPherson, who lives opposite the affected house, recalled hearing a massive explosion before seeing flames consume the room. “There was just a great big plume of smoke pouring out the roof. The neighbor across the street told me there was a guy standing at the front, all on fire,” he said. Friends and colleagues of Ali are now focused on raising funds to repatriate his body to Pakistan.

“His family deserves the chance to say a final goodbye,” said Babar Anwar, a friend and coworker. A GoFundMe campaign is being set up to cover transportation costs.The tragedy has reignited concerns about the dangers of 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, with 323 incidents recorded in 2024. 

According to emergency responders, the fires caused by these batteries are particularly volatile and difficult to extinguish. “Lithium battery fires burn rapidly and emit toxic smoke. Once they ignite, they are extremely difficult to control,” said Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry. Data from Monash University’s Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit reveals a disturbing rise in e-bike-related injuries. Between 2017 and 2023, there were 534 e-bike injuries requiring emergency care in Victoria alone, with incidents increasing from 0.2 per 100,000 population in 2017 to 3.4 in 2023. 

Experts are now calling for more stringent regulations on the sale and usage of lithium-powered mobility devices. Dr. Hadi Haghani, an associate professor at the University of Melbourne specializing in urban resilience and mobility, warned that data on e-bike-related incidents is insufficient to fully assess the scope of the problem. “Without accurate data, we can’t create effective policies. We need clearer standards for battery safety, licensing, and monitoring,” he said. 

Authorities are urging e-bike users to only purchase devices that meet Australian safety standards and to follow strict charging guidelines, including avoiding overnight charging and keeping batteries away from flammable materials. The tragic loss of Haider Ali has put a spotlight on the hidden dangers of e-bikes and the urgent need for improved safety awareness and regulation. As authorities continue their investigation, communities are coming together to ensure his family receives the support they need.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)