Micro-Mobility in Heritage Spaces: Managing Fire Risks Thoughtfully

As cities embrace e-bikes and e-scooters to promote sustainable urban mobility, heritage institutions—from historic cathedrals to museums—face a growing but often overlooked risk. New Year’s Eve celebrations or staff commuting may involve micro-mobility devices, yet subsequent investigations into electrical fires have revealed that improperly stored or charged e-scooters can become serious hazards when deployed in vulnerable environments.

Even small incidents can lead to catastrophic outcomes if conditions allow thermal runaway—a rapid, self-sustaining reaction within lithium-ion batteries —to occur. These events release intense heat (over 600°C), toxic gases like hydrogen fluoride, and flames that are difficult to suppress with water alone. In historic buildings, where fire suppression systems may be limited or absent, the consequences can be devastating.

Why micro-mobility devices pose unique risks

E-scooters and e-bikes typically use high-energy lithium-ion batteries (300–1000+ watt-hours), comparable in energy content to portable power tools or small generators. Several factors increase their risk profile:

• Aftermarket modifications: Unauthorized upgrades can compromise battery safety.
• Poor storage practices: Devices left charging unattended, especially overnight, increase fire risk.
• Battery degradation: Swollen cells, damaged wiring, or exposure to extreme temperatures accelerate failure.

Unlike lead-acid batteries commonly found in older applications, lithium-ion units pose a higher thermal runaway risk when damaged, overcharged, or improperly maintained.

The heritage building challenge

Historic structures present unique challenges that amplify fire risks:

• Thick stone walls hinder ventilation, trapping heat and smoke.
• Wooden beams, tapestries, archives, and stored collections act as abundant fuel sources.
• Sprinkler systems are often absent due to preservation concerns or structural limitations.
• Staff and visitors typically lack training in identifying electrical hazards.

Even a small battery fire can escalate quickly. Corrosive fumes from thermal runaway may spread through ventilation shafts, causing significant damage to artifacts and building materials—even without open flames.

Current standards and their limitations

Some guidelines address electric mobility safety:

– NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code): Provides standards for electrical installations, including charging circuits.

– NFPA 855 (Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems): Addresses the installation of stationary energy storage systems—increasingly relevant as institutions consider backup power solutions.

– Emerging guidelines from European fire safety associations developing protocols for shared mobility devices in public spaces.

However, these standards were primarily designed for:

• Urban residential buildings  
• Parking garages  
• Commercial delivery hubs  

They do not fully account for the architectural constraints, irreplaceable collections, or conservation priorities of heritage sites. As a result, adaptation—not direct application—is essential to ensure safety without compromising historical integrity.

Recommended mitigation strategies for heritage institutions

To protect people, property, and cultural heritage, site managers should consider implementing these practical measures:

Prohibit Indoor charging:

• ban charging of e-bikes and e-scooters inside historic structures.  
• designate secure external charging zones equipped with temperature monitoring and fire-rated cabinets.

Establish Clear Policies:

• require staff using micro-mobility devices to store them in designated outdoor areas (e.g., locked sheds or ventilated enclosures).  
• include lithium-ion battery safety in fire risk assessments under frameworks like the UK’s Regulatory Reform Order or equivalent EU directives.

Conduct Regular Inspections: 

• train custodians and maintenance staff to identify swollen batteries, exposed wiring, or unauthorized modifications.  
• discourage use of non-certified replacement parts or chargers.

Raise Awareness:

• post multilingual signage warning against indoor charging near entrances and storage areas.  
• include micro-mobility risks in staff inductions, volunteer training programs, and visitor safety briefings.

Collaborate With Fire Safety Experts:  

• Work with local fire departments to conduct risk modeling specific to your building’s layout.  
• Consider installing thermal imaging sensors or smoke detection systems near high-risk storage zones.

Looking Ahead

As micro-mobility becomes integral to urban life—used by staff, volunteers, and visitors alike—heritage institutions must proactively manage new risks without rejecting modern access needs. The goal is not to eliminate e-devices; many are essential for mobility and sustainability. Instead, the aim should be to store and use them safely.

By adopting targeted policies, leveraging emerging standards, and fostering awareness, historic buildings can remain both accessible and resilient in the face of evolving fire threats.

Conclusion

Micro-mobility devices are here to stay. But their integration into heritage spaces must be thoughtful and risk-informed. While incidents like a hypothetical cathedral battery fire may seem remote, they underscore a broader truth: modern hazards require modern safeguards—especially where history is preserved for future generations.