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 knee-jerk reaction to an overblown and exaggerated problem. Other single-factor analysts say they have “never had an issue” so you shouldn’t either. Not very reassuring.
Most consumers are unaware that they have a choice when buying an e-bike for transportation or recreation. They can purchase an e-bike that is certified by a third-party laboratory to meet an agreed-to standard for e-bikes or they can buy an e-bike that may not even conform to the e-bike standards in its country of origin. And this difference is impossible to identify through price alone because many very expensive e-bikes made by reputable brands do not carry third-party certification.
Until there are established laws for e-bike battery safety, then it is up to the consumer to figure it out. Unfortunately, the new e-bike owner probably doesn’t have a clue to the potential fire hazard they just brought into their home.