The dramatic street fire on Oct 22 caught the attention of many because it involved a common electric bike. Understanding what happened can help riders and nearby shoppers stay safe.

According to Beijing News, the e‑bike burst into flames at about 7:30 p.m. on Huiwen Road in Xiamen, shooting fire several metres high. Video showed the flames erupting from beneath the seat like a rocket engine.

Police and firefighters arrived quickly and extinguished the blaze. No injuries were reported, but the intense heat blackened roadside stone barriers and scorched tree branches overhead.

Fire safety authorities warned that lithium‑ion battery fires can reignite even after the initial flames are put out, so they advise keeping a safe distance and calling emergency services. They also said that unauthorized battery modifications—such as replacing original batteries with higher‑capacity or homemade ones—can overload components and raise the fire risk.

The National Fire and Rescue Administration reported that China recorded 7,048 electric‑bicycle fires in the first half of 2025, a 44.7% decline from the previous year. The figures show that, while incidents are falling, the risk remains significant.