February 9, 2026 — A Gotrax GKS Mini Electric Scooter for Kids reportedly experienced a severe battery fire incident on January 10, 2026, while plugged in and charging in a consumer’s garage. The incident, which produced heavy smoke and multiple popping sounds, occurred with a scooter that was less than a month old and using its original manufacturer charger, raising significant safety concerns about lithium-ion battery reliability in children’s products.
Product Details
Product: Gotrax GKS Mini Electric Scooter for Kids
Incident Overview
The incident was reported on January 14, 2026, by a consumer who purchased three Gotrax GKS Mini Electric Scooters for Kids on November 29, 2025. One of these scooters, opened on Christmas morning, December 25, 2025, was involved in a serious safety event just two weeks later on January 10, 2026.
Around 10 PM EST, while the scooter was charging in the garage using its original Gotrax-provided charger, its battery caught fire. The consumer reported that the scooter had been charging for approximately four hours at the time of the fire. The incident was characterized by the rapid emission of heavy smoke and multiple alarming popping and explosive sounds. Acting quickly for safety, the consumer immediately moved the burning scooter outside to prevent further damage to their home.
Thankfully, despite the alarming nature of the event, no one was injured. However, the consumer emphasized the gravity of the situation, especially given that the product is designed for children (ages 6-12), was nearly brand new, and was being used exactly as instructed by the manufacturer. The affected scooter is currently being stored outside and is no longer in use due to the inherent risk of re-ignition.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights critical safety concerns associated with electric scooters, particularly those designed for children, and the potential hazards of lithium-ion battery failures:
- Immediate Fire Hazard: A battery fire poses an immediate and severe risk of combustion, capable of rapidly spreading to surrounding materials and structures. This particular incident occurred in a garage, a common storage area for vehicles and flammable liquids, increasing the risk of a larger, more catastrophic fire.
- Smoke Inhalation: Battery fires, especially those involving lithium-ion cells, can produce dense, toxic smoke. Inhalation of this smoke can lead to severe respiratory distress, poisoning, and even death, even if individuals are not directly exposed to flames.
- Explosion Risk: The report of “multiple popping/explosive sounds” indicates a potential for battery cells to rupture or explode under thermal runaway conditions. Such explosions can propel hazardous materials and fragments, causing burns or impact injuries.
- Child Safety: As this is a children’s product, the risk is particularly alarming. Children may not recognize the danger or react appropriately during a fire, putting them at higher risk of injury or fatality. The product’s intended use by children necessitates the highest safety standards.
- Property Damage Potential: A battery fire, even if contained, can cause significant damage to the scooter itself, the charging area, and any nearby property. The need to move the scooter outside indicates the immediate threat it posed to the consumer’s home.
- Risk of Re-ignition: Damaged lithium-ion batteries can sometimes re-ignite hours or even days after the initial event, making proper disposal and continued vigilance crucial.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a Gotrax GKS Mini Electric Scooter for Kids, or any similar electric scooter, should take the following precautions:
- Discontinue Use Immediately: If you experience any signs of overheating, swelling, unusual odors, or noise from the battery or charging unit, immediately unplug the scooter and discontinue all use. Do not attempt to charge or use the scooter if you suspect a defect.
- Check Your Product: Verify if you own a Gotrax GKS Mini Electric Scooter for Kids. Always refer to the model information printed on the scooter itself or its packaging.
- Always Use Original Charger: Ensure you are always using the charger specifically provided by the manufacturer for your scooter. Third-party chargers may not have the correct voltage or safety protocols, increasing fire risk.
- Supervised Charging: Always charge electric scooters in an open, visible area, away from flammable materials (such as curtains, papers, or gasoline). Avoid charging overnight or when unsupervised.
- Inspect for Damage: Regularly inspect the scooter’s battery, charging port, and charger for any signs of damage, swelling, punctures, or deformities. Any damage could indicate a compromised battery.
- Report Incidents: If you experience a similar incident or discover a potential defect, immediately report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Also, contact the manufacturer to inform them of the issue.
- Safe Handling of Damaged Batteries: Do not attempt to repair a damaged battery yourself. If a battery is compromised or has undergone thermal runaway, contact local fire authorities or a hazardous waste facility for guidance on safe disposal.
Manufacturer’s Response
No manufacturer response has been provided in the incident report.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.