Tag: e-bike fires

More Reported E-Bike And E-Bike Battery Charging Fires – UPDATED 10/6/22

jimmymac

The e-bike industry and its trade associations are often quoted as saying e-bike fires are “a rare occurrence” or have gone so far as to point fingers at other industries. These organizations are more apt to use the sanitized phrase “a runaway thermal event” that is code for “the bike’s battery blew up in flames.” The list of e-bike factories, retailers and owners who have experienced meltdowns is indeed a small percentage of total e-bike factories, retailers and owners. That shouldn’t make you feel a lot better if you have…

Specialized Expands E-Bike Recall Due To Fire Concern

jimmymac

We reported last May that Specialized issued a recall for 1st-generation Turbo Levo and Kenevo e-bikes manufactured between 2017 and 2019. This was due to a fire potential created by the bikes’ battery packs (and battery packs sold separately). News on August 30th, 2022 from Specialized reveals this initial recall didn’t correct the problem completely. Specialized is expanding the scope their first recall to include additional batteries and e-bikes. The recall now covers bikes and batteries sold between 2016 to 2021. Specialized and bike shops that sell Specialized bikes will…

The National Bicycle Dealers Association Takes Strong Stance On E-Bike Fire Risks

jimmymac

I have a rule not to regurgitate press releases from companies and organizations but I’m breaking my own rule for this one. While the statement falls short of asking for governmental oversight, it is the strongest stance yet about addressing the potential fire hazard related to e-bikes. Kudos to The National Bicycle Dealers Association. This is so encouraging after reading an article by a cycling trade publications that attempted to point the blame at other products rather than address the problem like the NBDA does here. Following is their release…

British Columbia’s The Tyee Publishes Great Story On E-Bike Fire Risks

jimmymac

Jen St. Denis, a journalist for The Tyee, an independent, online news magazine, published a well-researched and informative story on the potential dangers of e-bike fires. Compared to stories from trade publications or media outlets dependent on e-bike manufacturer advertising, The Tyee gives a clear-eyed, balanced look at the fire potential that e-bikes bring into your home. The comments below the story are as interesting as the article. Some people think the recent focus on e-bike fires comes from the oil industry. Another feels calling for Government oversight is an…

Look For The UL Label: Why Your New E-Bike Needs UL Certification – UPDATED

jimmymac

I get downhearted and disgusted posting so many stories about e-bike battery fires. These events include fatalities and loss of personal property into the millions of dollars. Unfortunately, this burden seems to rest on my humble shoulders. I don’t know of anyone else shinning a light on one of the e-bike industry’s most guarded dirty secrets. Ranting about the fire potential lurking in every e-bike is frustrating because I don’t see a viable solution to the problem. I pass along tips for reducing the chances of an e-bike battery fire…

Trip To The Whistling Duck Pub Ends In E-bike Inferno

jimmymac

This poor guy claims to have purchased two new e-bikes, loaded them in his truck and then watched in disbelief as they exploded and burned. I use the word “claims” because the only news report I found on the incident was a report on the video, not a report on the actual fire or quotes from the fire department. There is no doubt that two e-bike burnt up. How they caught fire is not as clear. Still, I post this because I love the name of the pub the guy…

Bicycle Retailer And Industry News Blames The Fake News On E-Bike Fires

jimmymac

There are many ways the bicycle industry can and should address the issue of e-bike fires. Some are very productive and responsible. The recently announced webinar series sponsored by the National Bicycle Dealers Association is a step in the right direction. The information available from Human Powered Solutions is intended for bicycle retailers but their tips and directions work just as well for e-bike owners. Third-party certification is my favorite answer to the problem. The recently published article in Bicycle Retailer and Industry News (BRAIN), written by the “staff,” is…

National Bicycle Dealers Association To Address E-Bike Fire Risks In Webinar Series UPDATED

jimmymac

The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) just announced four webinars dealing with e-bike fire potential. The series will be aimed at retailers but I would imagine that any e-bike owner could benefit from the disseminated information. The first webinar took place on May 24th and addressed e-bike explosions, fire safety and product third-party certification. Comments from a New York City Fire Department official were very enlightening as were all the topics covered by the panel members. You can watch this webinar by clicking here. The second webinar takes place on…

Recall: Santa Cruz Heckler 9 E-Bike Dropping Its Battery Like A Bomb

jimmymac

Santa Cruz Bicycles has recalled their Heckler 9 e-bike after customers report of the battery falling out of the bike’s frame, creating both fall and fire hazards. Santa Cruz explains that, “The latch mechanism that holds the battery in place can malfunction, causing the battery to dislodge from the frame and fall to the ground, posing a fall hazard to the rider.  Additionally, the latch spring can cause additional wear on the battery housing over time, posing a fire hazard.” Riders should stop riding the recalled bicycle and should remove…

Totem USA’s Zen Rider E-Bike Powered By Panasonic Earns UL 2849 Approval

jimmymac

Totem USA is introducing a new 2022 e-bike model dubbed the Zen Rider. The Panasonic-powered Zen Rider separates itself from its competition by applying for and passing the Underwriters Laboratory UL 2849 certification. This is a major commitment from Totem to their customers who want the assurance that the e-bikes in their home do not pose an extreme fire threat or have an inherent design issue that could make operation dangerous. Buying an e-bike is a confusing and complicated dilemma due to the sheer number of available options (my last…