In recent years, electric bike sales soared high as more people incorporated fun mobility into their daily commute. However, with increased sales, there has been an increase in lithium-ion or electric bike fire risk.
According to a 2023 report, more than 267 fires were recorded leading to 150 injuries and 18 deaths. The ratio of e-mobility fires is nearly 9 times higher than in 2019, according to FDNY. However, in 2019 no deaths were associated with these fires unlike in 2023.
This information can be scary, but it is not the whole story. There are several reasons behind these fires, not just the use of lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, today we will find out how to reduce electric bike fire risk.
How to Reduce Electric Bike Fire Risk?
E-bikes and e-scooters have almost the same build, which is why the following precautionary methods are applicable to both.
1. Notice Warning Signs
A failing battery is one of the main causes of e-bike fires. You can identify these if they are overheating or swelling. If so, then you can replace them. In case of unusual odors, hissing sounds, or smoke, quickly unplug the charger and carefully move away from the battery.
2. Never Leave Batteries Unattended
Do not leave the battery charging overnight because it is dangerous. Though they say that batteries have auto-cut features, it still does not guarantee that there won’t be any fires.
3. Never Charge in an Enclosed Area
Charge the vehicle in an open ventilated area. Make sure there are no flammable objects nearby, to reduce the chances of increasing the fire intensity.
4. Let the Battery Cool
Lithium batteries heat up during usage, thus, let them cool down first then put them on charging. It will extend the battery life and prevent any e-bike fire risk.
5. Unplug the Charger
Yes, even if we switch off the socket, it is better to unplug the charger to avoid any power surge flow to the battery. Moreover, follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual for charging and maintenance of the batteries.
6. Install Smoke Alarms
Getting smoke alarms for the area where you charge the batteries will keep everyone on the safe side. These alarms will alert minutes before the fire actually breaks, giving you or nearby people enough time to stay away from the location.
7. Avoid Direct Sunlight
The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) recommends not to park or leave your lithium-ion batteries and e-bike under direct sunlight. It might overheat the batteries. However, this does not count driving your e-bike on a sunny day, as it is fine.
8. Avoid Second-hand and Recalled Products
Do not use second-hand lithium batteries or recalled e-bikes as they pose a major risk of fire. As a preventive measure, the New York City Council proposed a bill to prohibit buying and selling used lithium-ion batteries.
Government announced no entry for electric bike batteries without proper safety certification.
Before purchasing, search for the brand and model number through the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. This can prevent fire in your E-bike.
9. Do Not Use Water
Yes, lithium-ion batteries do not react well with water and any dampness can result in ignition and fire. If you notice any smoke or odd smell, do not pour water on it as it can ignite the fire instead of extinguishing it. Do not operate the bike unless safe or else call 911 if you notice extreme signs of the bike exploding.
10. Dispose of Damaged Batteries
It is necessary to discard damaged or degraded e-bike batteries. The best option is to give them to recycling locations at Home Depot, Lowes, or Walmart. Or you can reach out to Call2 Recycle to find the nearest recycling location in your area, city, or state.
Note: Never discard your lithium-ion batteries in the open or regular trash as they pose a danger.
Also Read: Uber Will Fund a Buy-Back Program for E-Bikes to Combat the Battery Fire Issue in New York
11. Manufacturer-Approved Charger
Just like smartphones, e-bikes, and e-scooters function well with chargers designed for them. An incompatible and unapproved charger overheats the battery, resulting in an explosion.
Always use a manufacturer-approved cable and power adapter to charge your e-bike. Also, follow the power input-output instructions mentioned in the instruction manual along with tips to maintain the life of the lithium battery in your bike.
12. Park Outside
The New York City Housing Authority passed regulations to ban citizens from storing or charging their e-bikes within buildings or apartments. Gas mopeds, motorcycles, and scooters are also covered under this rule to prevent fire hazards in the building.
Thus, it is recommended to keep your e-bike outdoors to prevent fire risk. In such a case, prefer a micro mobility locker or a garage service in your area to park the bike. Make sure the batteries are stored at room temperature there.
13. Purchase Certified Bikes and Batteries
An e-bike should be in compliance with the UL 2849 certification so make sure you check this before purchasing one. A UL-certified bike means that the battery, charger system, and drive train all underwent quality tests against potential fire hazards. Also, a good e-bike should have a battery management system to control the battery temperature and voltage.
Also Read: How Do I Revive My Electric Bike Battery
14. Check for Physical Damage
There are chances of external damage to the battery while usage. Therefore, every time you put the bike for charging, check the batteries for any physical damage and temperature first. This is another way to prevent a fire in your E-bike.
15. Use Compatible Batteries
Just as chargers and plugs, not every battery is compatible with various e-bike and e-scooter models. For example, one bike may require 24V while the other needs a 12V battery. Switching them often results in battery damage leading to battery fire.
16. Charge at Approved Charge Stations
If charging on the go, make sure to go for a government or brand-approved charging station that is ideal for your bike.
Find out if you can plug an electric car Into a regular outlet?
17. Do Not Store Batteries
Another way to prevent fire in e-bikes, discard unused batteries instead of storing them.
18. Register for Warranties
As soon as you purchase your e-bike get it registered. With this, you can replace a damaged battery and get a new one and this can avoid any e-bike fire.
How to Put Out an E-Bike Fire?
Fire authorities have highlighted methods to put off an e-bile fire by using the correct fire extinguisher.
- For lithium metal battery fire, a Class D fire extinguisher can be effective.
- For Lithium-ion battery fires, an ABC extinguisher or a standard dry chemical can be used.
- Large lithium-ion battery fires need a foam extinguisher that contains CO2, ABC dry solution, powered graphite, or sodium carbonate.
Important – If fire is not controllable through these measures, try to contain it and contact the fire department immediately.
Note: We do not personally recommend self-use of the above-mentioned methods to put out an e-bike fire. These methods should be used under professional guidance.
The December 2022 investigation, unveiled that lack of lithium-ion battery regulations exposed people to risk of injury or death. E-bike sales were steady after so many fire accidents but still, national sales were 231% higher than in 2019.
In conclusion, we can only say that being cautious is better and safer for us and everyone around us. Sometimes, following the rulebook can save various lives, including ours. So, we hope these safety measures will prevent and reduce electric bike fire risk.
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