Hello,
I have a question concerning lipo batteries. I'm just wondering how big of a concern their fire hazard is. The biggest problem for me is the fact that I am paralyzed and confined to a nursing home. Actually, the very biggest concern is the fact that someone else has to put my batteries on the charger for me and start them and then they leave and I am unable to use my hands so if anything were to happen while charging there would be nothing I could do except wait for help. Because of this fact I have been too afraid to use them and I have been using lifep04 batteries instead. I don't know that I would have the confidence in lipos to store them in my closet I would probably be worried constantly! I just wanted to get some other opinions. Thank you for any input!

If you don;t feel comfortable using lipos.... don't. They may be better but not enough to change your life.

Lipo batteries can definitely increase acceleration of your vehicle.

Don't be too alarmed about lipo batteries. If you charge within specified rates (i.e. 1C), use balance charging, a lipo flame retardant bag, and good quality cells, then you will have ZERO problems. I dont mess around and also keep a fire extinguisher at reach just in case. Lipo batteries tend to swell if left fully charged for long periods so just mind storage voltages and also be careful NOT to over-discharge the pack.

*storage voltage-3.75 volts per cell
*cell voltage must NEVER drop below 3.00 volts per cell

+1. If you are getting good performance out of the lifep04 packs no need to change. They already have most of the benefits of lipo. And you can always go to a higher voltage lifep04 pack for more performance. All assuming you aren't racing.

+1.

In fact, nothing is absolutely safe or dangerous. All depends on how you treat it.

Exactly.

What you could do however, is change the other side of the story: get a charger that will auto detect the cells and charge rate so they don't overcharge.

Also a +1 on the LiPo bag suggestion, those 2 things combined should calm your mind enough to use LiPo's.

If it still doesn't, then don't, it's not worth worrying about.

True, but it's always helpful to be able to react to a situation if it happens. Which doesn't appear to be the situation for the OP.

I wouldn't use then in this situation. Even taking proper precautions it is very easy for a situation involving lipo cells to get out of hand.

Thank you all for the input! I'm going to stick with my Lifep04... Better safe than sorry! My slash has a MM pro esc so I use a 4s 13.2v Lifep04 & it hauls! I plan to buy a new lcg slash 4x4 so I'll have to get a 3s Lifep04 since the VXL-3s can't handle the 4s. Or get another ESC for it and use the VXL-3s in my Tamiya land cruiser... I'd like to use a 3s in that anyways, it needs more wheel speed. :-)