Electric scooter fire killed woman in Norway

According to NRK Vestfold og Telemark, Martine's mother Anca Håkestad described the moment she learned of the fire, saying she did not understand how serious it was. She recalled her daughter telling her that the neighbor reported a fire in their apartment and that she could not reach Martine. Håkestad said she desperately tried to get to her daughter but was stopped by police.

In the past ten years, batteries for electric small vehicles have led to nearly 400 fire callouts in Norway, according to official figures. The number rose from one in 2016 to 82 in 2025. Last year, 21 incidents involved electric scooters.

I didn't understand how serious it was.
Anca Håkestad, Mother of the deceased
Anca Håkestad describing her initial reaction when she learned about the fire.Translated

Ane Bjørtuft, section chief at the Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB), told NRK Vestfold og Telemark that the most common causes are errors related to charging and damage from hard use, such as jumping and doing tricks. DSB and the Fire Protection Association have set up an installation at Oslo Central Station using video from the fire to warn about risks. Bjørtuft advised buying from serious actors, storing batteries in rooms with smoke detectors separated from living units, and charging with original equipment while awake.

She said: 'My girl, the neighbor is calling and says it's burning.' I asked 'Burning where?' and she answered: 'In our apartment. And she can't get hold of Martine.'
Anca Håkestad, Mother of the deceased
Anca Håkestad recounting the phone call from her mother about the fire.Translated

I tried to jump out of the car while it was moving. I so desperately wanted to get to her. I shouted to a police officer that I am her mother, I am her mother! But I wasn't allowed to get through.
Anca Håkestad, Mother of the deceased
Anca Håkestad describing her desperate attempt to reach her daughter at the fire scene.Translated

Martine was extremely afraid of fire. That she would die in a fire feels so meaningless.
Anca Håkestad, Mother of the deceased
Anca Håkestad reflecting on her daughter's fear of fire.Translated

It has been a quite dramatic development.
Ane Bjørtuft, Section chief at the Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB)
Ane Bjørtuft commenting on the increase in battery-related fires.Translated

Damage can occur from hard and rough use. Jumping and doing tricks with electric scooters can damage the batteries.
Ane Bjørtuft, Section chief at DSB
Ane Bjørtuft explaining causes of battery damage.Translated

Do not block escape routes. Store batteries in rooms with smoke detectors, preferably a room that is separated from the living unit.
Ane Bjørtuft, Section chief at DSB
Ane Bjørtuft giving advice on safe battery storage.Translated

Do not charge while you sleep. Be awake and present.
Ane Bjørtuft, Section chief at DSB
Ane Bjørtuft advising on safe charging practices.Translated

We must have faith that we can turn this around.
Ane Bjørtuft, Section chief at DSB
Ane Bjørtuft expressing hope about reversing the trend of battery fires.Translated

She said: 'Mom, we have to spread this. If we can warn others, then at least it doesn't feel like my big sister died in vain.'
Anca Håkestad, Mother of the deceased
Anca Håkestad quoting her younger daughter's motivation to speak openly about the tragedy.Translated