Fox 31 Denver and 2 Colorado’s CW news outlet is reporting that a Denver family lost their cat and were forced out of their home because of a fire ignited by a charging E-bike battery. The damage obviously could have been worse. Had the family not reacted quickly and not been present when the battery exploded, they could have easily been trapped by the flames.
The bike owner did break at least two of Jimmy Mac On Two Wheels’ tips: Never charge a battery in a confined space and always charge your bike’s battery outside of your home. I urge all our readers to review our E-bike operation and battery charging tips. They could save you major heartache.
OUR TIPS FOR CHARGING AND USING E-BIKE BATTERIES
1. Always charge your bike’s battery outside of your home, apartment, garage or storage shed.
2. Never leave a battery charging unattended. Day or night.
3. Don’t leave batteries on a charger once they are charged.
4. Never charge a battery in a confined space like a motorhome, RV, boat, automobile, van or shed.
5. Never charge a battery that has been dropped, damaged or dinged.
6. Never charge a battery in a hallway entry/exit.
7. Never modify a battery.
8. Use only batteries recommended and approved by your bike’s manufacturer. Same with the battery charger.
9. If your e-bike makes a weird noise, feels hot, emits smoke or seems to be straining, stop riding. Do not load it in a car or put in the garage. Call 911. Any of these warning signs could mean a fire is eminent.
10. Look for the UL 2849 certified sticker on your next e-bike purchase.
