I haven’t posted recently on E-bike battery fires but that doesn’t mean they are not taking place. Denver 7 ABC news posted the following report on a fire started by a charging E-bike battery.
While the shop owner explains the elevated battery-fire risk from E-bikes purchased online, I strongly advise all E-bike owners to follow these simple steps to reduce the chance of an E-bike battery fire and to reduce the destructiveness should a fire occur:
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.
11. Look for the UL 2849 certified sticker on your next e-bike purchase.
