This report from NBC News graphically illustrates the risks associated with charging your e-bike’s battery, over-charging the battery or charging a damaged battery. The experts also explain that the battery does not necessarily need to be charging to ignite.
Jimmy Mac On Two Wheels has been preaching battery safety for years. The biggest suggestion we pass along is to always charge your bike’s battery outside of your home, garage or apartment.
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.