A delivery courier in China has been left critically injured after his electric bicycle suddenly caught fire while he was riding, an incident that has renewed concerns over the safety of lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and other electric vehicles.

Dashcam footage circulating online shows the courier traveling normally before the e-bike erupts into flames without warning. The fire quickly engulfed the rider, leaving him with burns over 90 percent of his body. Emergency responders rushed him to the hospital, where he remains under intensive medical care.

Preliminary assessments indicate that a faulty lithium-ion battery is the most likely cause of the fire. Such batteries, commonly used in electric bicycles for their high energy density, can become extremely dangerous if damaged, improperly manufactured, or poorly maintained. Thermal runaway — a chain reaction that leads to rapid overheating and combustion — is often cited in similar incidents.

The case has drawn public attention due to the growing reliance on electric bicycles by couriers and delivery workers across China, particularly in dense urban environments. These workers often spend long hours on the road, frequently charging batteries multiple times per day, which can accelerate wear and increase the risk of failure if safety standards are not strictly enforced.

Authorities are expected to investigate the battery’s origin, manufacturing quality, and charging history to determine whether safety regulations were violated. The incident has also reignited calls for stricter oversight of battery production, improved charging infrastructure, and stronger enforcement of safety guidelines for electric mobility devices.

As electric bicycles continue to replace traditional vehicles in last-mile delivery services, the incident serves as a stark reminder that technological convenience must be matched by rigorous safety controls. For one courier and his family, a routine workday turned into a life-altering tragedy in a matter of seconds.