What Should You Do Every Time You Charge?
- Use the right charger. Use the charger that came with the device or one the maker approves. The CPSC and the Florida State Fire Marshal both say this (CPSC, Florida State Fire Marshal).
- Stay with it. The CPSC says to be present when charging e-bikes and scooters. Never charge them while you sleep or when you are away. CPSC has seen many lithium-ion battery home fires happen at night while families slept (CPSC).
- Unplug when full. The Florida State Fire Marshal and NFPA both say to stop charging once the battery is full (Florida State Fire Marshal, NFPA).
- Use a hard surface. Charge on a hard, flat surface like a bare floor, not a soft one (Florida State Fire Marshal).
- Keep exits clear. Do not charge where a fire could block your way out (Florida State Fire Marshal, NFPA).
What Extra Steps Do Lead-Acid Golf Carts Need?
- Give it fresh air. Trojan says to charge lead-acid batteries only in well-ventilated areas and to keep sparks and flames away (Trojan Battery).
- Know about hydrogen. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue warns that over-charging or poor upkeep can release hydrogen gas, which is highly flammable. It says charging in a garage with the door and windows closed is dangerous (Palm Beach County Fire Rescue).
- Charge outside or open up. The same agency suggests charging outside at least 5 feet from the home. If that is not possible, open the garage door or windows, stay home and awake, and unplug when full. It also notes that smart chargers can fail to stop (Palm Beach County Fire Rescue).
- Do not overcharge. Trojan says overcharging causes extra gassing, heat, and battery aging (Trojan Battery).
- Check water and cables. Trojan says to check water levels, keep vent caps tight, and replace frayed or damaged cables (Trojan Battery).
- If a CO alarm sounds. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue says hydrogen from charging can set off CO alarms. Leave the home and call 911. Do not flip light switches or press the garage door button (Palm Beach County Fire Rescue).
What About Lithium Carts, E-Bikes, and Scooters?
- Look for certification. UL Standards and Engagement points to UL 2849 for e-bikes, UL 2272 for scooters and hoverboards, and UL 2271 for light electric vehicle batteries. It lists golf carts among the vehicles UL 2271 covers (ULSE). UL Solutions says UL 2849 looks at the e-bike's drive train, battery, and charger together (UL Solutions).
- Buy listed products. NFPA says to buy batteries listed by a nationally recognized testing lab (NFPA).
- Approved replacement batteries only. The CPSC says not to use packs that were modified or rebuilt by unqualified people, or that use used cells (CPSC).
- Charge outside when you can. NFPA says the safest place to charge e-bikes and scooters is outdoors, away from any structure and out of direct sun. The Florida State Fire Marshal also says to charge e-bikes and scooters outside when possible (NFPA, Florida State Fire Marshal).
- No cords or strips. A Florida State Fire Marshal rule for e-bikes and scooters says to plug the charger directly into a listed outlet, not into extension cords or power strips. It also says to keep things that burn at least 10 feet from the charger (Fla. Admin. Code 69A-73.003).
- Golf cart chargers. Follow your owner's manual. E-Z-GO's Express S6 ELiTE manual, for example, calls for a dedicated 15 amp circuit and says not to use a power strip or multi-plug adapter (E-Z-GO).
How Should You Set Up the Garage?
- Heat alarm, not smoke alarm. The U.S. Fire Administration says heat alarms are made for garages and smoke alarms are not. Choose one that is hard-wired with battery backup, can link to your home's smoke alarms, and is rated for 175 to 250°F. Have a qualified electrician install it (USFA).
- Clear the area. Store batteries away from anything that can burn (USFA). Think paint, gas cans, boxes, and rags.
- Protect the cord. Keep the cord where it will not get run over or tripped on.
How Does Florida Heat Affect Batteries?
- Know the range. USFA says to store lithium-ion batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them below 32°F or above 105°F (USFA).
- No hot cars or sun. USFA says not to leave lithium-ion batteries in direct sunlight or hot cars (USFA).
- Lead-acid and heat. Trojan says to avoid charging above 120°F and to store batteries in a cool, dry place (Trojan Battery).
What Are the Warning Signs, and What If a Battery Smokes?
- Stop using it if you notice an odor, a change in color or shape, too much heat, leaking, or odd noises (USFA). The Florida State Fire Marshal adds swelling, smoke, and popping or hissing sounds (Florida State Fire Marshal).
- Inspect often. Look for cracks, swelling, leaks, and loose or frayed cables. Replace damaged batteries (Florida State Fire Marshal, Trojan Battery).
- If it smokes or burns, get out. Evacuate and call 911 (Florida State Fire Marshal). Do not go back in. Your safety comes first.
- Repairs. NFPA says to have repairs done by a qualified professional (NFPA).
- Disposal. Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Take them to a battery recycler or hazardous waste site (USFA, CPSC).
What About Hurricanes and Flood Water?
- Before the storm. NFPA says to unplug lithium-ion devices if flooding is possible and move them to a spot unlikely to flood. Keep them away from exits and sleeping areas (NFPA).
- Never charge a wet battery. Do not charge a lithium-ion battery that was under water or looks damaged. Do not open or repair it (Florida State Fire Marshal, NFPA).
- Look and listen first. If you see smoke or hear popping or hissing, move away. If you see fire, call 911 (Florida State Fire Marshal).
- Isolate it. If it is safe, move the cart or battery outside, away from things that burn. If it cannot be moved, keep the area open and vented. Call the maker or a certified pro (Florida State Fire Marshal).
See our hurricane prep guide for more storm steps.
Choosing a cart? Compare power types in Gas vs. Electric vs. Lithium Golf Carts in Florida.
How Do You Check for Recalls?
Search your cart, bike, battery, or charger by brand and model at cpsc.gov/Recalls. You can sign up there for recall emails. If you have a problem with a battery, you can report it on SaferProducts.gov (CPSC).
Printable Checklist
- ☐ Charger is the one that came with it, or maker approved
- ☐ E-bike or scooter is UL 2849 or UL 2272 certified; battery UL 2271 where applicable
- ☐ Plugged straight into the wall, no cords or power strips
- ☐ Someone home and awake while charging
- ☐ Unplugged when full
- ☐ Lead-acid: door or window open, water level checked
- ☐ Nothing that burns near the charger
- ☐ Heat alarm in the garage, linked to smoke alarms
- ☐ No swelling, leaks, odors, or odd sounds
- ☐ Never charge after flood water
- ☐ Recalls checked at cpsc.gov
What Could We Not Verify?
- We did not find a single federal rule for home charging of golf carts. Advice varies by maker, so your manual comes first.
- Whether your own cart battery carries a UL 2271 listing depends on the product. Check the label or ask the maker.
- The cause of the recent Middleton fire is under investigation. We do not speculate about it.