Electric Scooter Caught Fire at ASU Library
A library building in Tempe required a temporary closure following a fire involving an electric scooter.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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An electric scooter ignited inside the Hayden Library on the Arizona State University campus. The incident resulted in no reported injuries and a temporary facility closure.
Why it matters
The fire highlights the persistent risks of lithium-ion batteries, which can become dangerous if they are damaged or become overheated. It also underscores ongoing enforcement challenges regarding campus safety policies that strictly prohibit electric scooters inside buildings.
Tempe city ordinances mandate a maximum speed of 10 mph on sidewalks for motorized devices, decreasing to 5 mph when passing pedestrians. These rules were implemented alongside broader safety regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters.
The players
Arizona State University
The public research university maintains strict campus safety policies, including a prohibition on electric scooters inside its buildings.
Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department
The agency provides public safety guidance, including recommendations for using manufacturer-approved chargers and charging batteries outdoors.
The details
Although the fire was extinguished quickly, the Hayden Library remained partially closed following the incident. University policy explicitly prohibits the presence of electric scooters inside campus buildings to prevent such hazards.
Timeline
September 2025: Tempe launched the Motorized and Electric Mobility Device Safety Council Subcommittee.
July 25, 2026: Updated city ordinances for e-bikes and e-scooters went into effect.
September 28, 2026: The fire occurred at the Hayden Library.
Roadmap
The incident reflects the broader automotive and tech industry challenge of managing the safety of lithium-ion batteries as micromobility devices become ubiquitous. It also highlights how municipalities are struggling to balance the convenience of electric transit with fire safety mandates.
Students and faculty must adhere to university bans on bringing electric scooters into buildings to avoid fire hazards and potential disciplinary action. Owners of these devices are also encouraged to charge them outdoors using only equipment approved by the manufacturer.
The takeaway
Lithium-ion batteries require careful handling and should never be charged inside residential or public buildings. Always use certified charging equipment to minimize the risk of fire and mechanical damage.
Further reading
For more information on current safety regulations, visit Electric Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Statepress.
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