Electric Bike Battery Safety tips to Prevent eBike Fires
There’s been a lot of buzz around electric bike fires lately caused by the battery, with some incidents being more severe than others. Ebikes are a great alternative to transportation and a game-changer in reducing fuel costs. If you have one, you know how much fun they are! Ebike battery fires happen for many reasons, including design flaws, improper care and use, manufacturing defects, and using a damaged or dropped battery. However, although accidents are unlikely, customers should know best practices.
Luckily ENVO has been awarded the first UL 2849 ebike certificate in Canada. This means that ENVO has put their batteries through rigorous safety procedure tests to ensure batteries are up to regulation. It’s important to note that lithium-ion batteries are in other everyday electronics such as laptops, electric cars, electric scooters, cell phones and more. Improper care from the user with these devices can result in the battery catching fire even if the battery meets industry standards. As always, we recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions to care for your lithium-ion battery properly.
How to Prevent Electric Bike Battery Fires:
If you own an ebike or looking to get one, how do you prevent incidents like this from happening? We highly recommend avoiding third-party or aftermarket brands for your bike. Always use the manufacturer’s battery and charger for your bike, following their specifications and guidelines. The battery is usually the most expensive part of the bike, so never cheap out on it. Whenever you charge your battery, never leave it unattended. Always charge the battery in a well-ventilated cool room away from other flammable materials. Set a timer so you don’t forget about it and if you leave the house, always unplug it before leaving.
Electric Bike Safety Tips - Battery:
- Always turn off your battery before charging.
- Always charge the battery in a well-ventilated, cool room.
- Do not leave the battery unattended for an extended period.
- Do not attempt to charge a damaged or malfunctioning battery.
- Store damaged batteries outside and never throw old batteries in the garbage. Recycle them at your local recycling centre.
- Only use the provided charger provided by your manufacturer.
- Do not use cheap third-party, aftermarket, refurbished batteries.
- Never leave your battery near a heat source such as direct sun or a heater.
- Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.
- Always buy your ebikes and products from a reputable manufacturer, never from an overseas aftermarket company. It’s doubtful you purchase an ebike for under $1000 as the battery is the most expensive component. If you do, you know the manufacturer may have cut some corners using low-quality parts. These products could be susceptible to catching on fire. If you’re looking for an ebike, here’s a list for every budget.
If you have any other questions or concerns, contact us, and we’ll be glad to help!
