E-bikes are the new future of transport for all age groups. More and more people are switching from fuel bikes to this eco-friendly option. But according to a report from 2022, almost 200 e-bike fires were reported in New York and many more in other cities. But what is the reason behind these accidents? To avoid electric bike fire accidents, it is important to understand how to reduce electric bike fire risk and how to prevent electric bike fire risk.
What Causes E Bike Explosion?
Talking about E-bike fires, the first question that crosses your mind is why these bikes catch fire. The reason is the battery itself, but there are other causes leading to e bike explosion.
1. Damaged batteries: Lithium-based batteries power e-bikes and most EVs as well as smartphones and other smart devices. Though it seems powerful, lithium is highly reactive at the same time and any damage can result in a shot circuit. If the battery temperature exceeds the safe operating range, it triggers a thermal runaway. This ultimately results in an explosion of the battery.
2. Fake part: It can be another responsible factor because if your battery is not damaged then its fake parts can cause an explosion. Counterfeit batteries mostly use such materials and since they do not pass through strict controls, some might even be incompatible with your bike.
3. Combustible fluid: Lithium-based batteries have some combustible fluid. Sparks due to overheated batteries quickly ignite the combustible fluid, leading to a major fire.
4. Physical damage and rough handling: Excessive bumping and dropping of the battery during transport or use can hamper the thermal runaway. Batteries are damaged from dismantling and shredding processes during recycling, resulting in explosions.
5. Surrounding conditions: short circuits and thermal runaway can be triggered in lithium-ion batteries. Rainwater, humidity, and salty air can damage an otherwise fine battery.
How to Reduce Electric Bike Fire Risk?
There have been several cases where e-bikes parked inside a house exploded, leading to a house fire. Whereas the other times it was in the parking area outdoors. After learning about what causes e bike explosion, follow the ways mentioned below to reduce electric bike fire risks.
1. Avoid Direct Sunlight
The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) recommends not leaving your lithium-ion batteries and e-bike under direct sunlight. Again, for the same reason that it might overheat the batteries but driving your e-bike on a sunny day is fine.
2. Avoid Secondhand and Recalled Products
It is recommended not to use secondhand lithium batteries or recalled e-bikes as they pose a major risk of fire. And as a preventive measure, the New York City Council proposed a bill to prohibit buying and selling used lithium-ion batteries.
Also, avoid any such e-bike model that was recalled due to fire accidents. On the safe side, search for the brand and model number through the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
3. Careful Monitoring
Do not leave your e-bike unattended for long when charging. Usually, it will let out a puff of smoke and a hissing sound as it is about to catch fire. Lithium batteries also change color and expand in this situation. If you are present on the spot, you can unplug the charger immediately and wait for it to cool down. Another thing is not to leave your e-bike on charging overnight.
Beware, 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.
4. 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 in regular trash as they pose danger.
Also Read: Uber Will Fund a Buy-Back Program for E-Bikes to Combat the Battery Fire Issue in New York
5. Manufacture-Approved Charger
Another thing to learn about how to reduce electric bike fire risk is the charger. The right charger is equally important for your e-bike as it is for your Smartphone. Just like a Smartphone develops issues and sometimes explodes when the wrong charger is used, the same is the case with e-bikes. An incompatible and unapproved charger overheats the battery, resulting in an explosion. This is why 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.
6. Park Outside
Recently, 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.
Also See: Paris Votes In Favor to Ban Shared E-Scooters
7. Purchase Certified Bikes and Battery
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.
8. Keep it Dry
Yes, lithium-ion batteries do not react well with water and any dampness can result in ignition and fire. By keeping your e-bike away from water and not splashing water if it is hot, you can reduce the risk of e-bike fire. In case you notice flames or smoke while driving, immediately call fire stations and follow their guidance. Never keep riding the bike in such a state.
Also Read: Do AGM Batteries Need to be Vented?
9. Maintain the Batteries
Be careful about the batteries as they are the essential part of an e-bike and possibly the reason for how to reduce electric bike fire risk. Though they are designed to withstand the burden of daily usage, you still need to be sure that this wear and tear has not damaged the batteries. Every time you put the bike on a charge, check the batteries for any physical damage first. Also, check its temperature while charging.
10. Use Compatible Batteries
Not every battery is suitable for your e-bike model. Different manufacturers and models usually demand batteries with different power voltages. One e-bike may require 24V while the other is compatible with a 12V battery. Using a battery that your e-bike is not compatible with can lead to fire, thus avoiding it.
Also See: How to Test for Power Surges?
How to Prevent a Fire in Your E-Bike?
It is unlike that we can prevent accidents every time, but taking precautions can prevent a fire in an e-bike. Follow these to learn how to prevent a fire in your e-bike-
1. Avoid Overnight Charging and Never Park Near Flammables
Overheated batteries are the main cause of battery fires or e-bike fires and charging your e-bike overnight surely heats up the battery beyond its accepted temperature. Thus, never leave your e-bike on charge overnight and unplug the charger as soon as the battery percentage reaches the correct mark. Some e-bikes have automatic sensors but being cautious is better.
Just as smoking or using a lighter is prohibited in gas stations, follow the same rule while charging your e-bike. Maintain distance from all types of flammable objects and fire.
Also Read: V2G vs V2H vs V2L Bidirectional Charging
2. Avoid Power Extensions and Prefer Original Over Substitutes
Differences in voltages and wattage can also damage batteries. Connecting extensions and cables to the battery can leave the battery vulnerable to harm. Thus, avoid using it to prevent any e-bike fires. Also, use the charging materials provided by the manufacturer and avoid any other substitutes. There will not be any discrepancy in power output with the original charger and the risk of fire can be reduced.
3. Avoid Water Seepage into the Battery
Water extinguishes fire but not in e-bikes because here water can be a reason for the fire, or it can increase it. Therefore, it is recommended to park your e-bike in a safe and dry place to avoid water seepage that can lead to battery malfunction.
Also See: 10 Reasons Why Gas Cars Are Better Than Electric
4. Charge at Approved Charge Stations
Another possible method to follow in how to reduce electric bike fire risk is to choose the right charging station. Among various public charging points, make sure you use governmental or brand-approved charging stations only for your e-bike. Though it is always best to charge at home but look for an approved option while outdoors.
5. Choose Covered Parking
It is not a good idea to leave your e-bike in direct sunlight, thus you should prefer covered parking. This will prevent the battery from heating up and accidents can be avoided.
6. Do Not Store Batteries
Discard safely an unused battery instead of storing it at home. It is not a good idea to store an unused battery and then use it. The battery may begin leaking during this period which is one of the major causes of e-bike fires.
Also Read: What are V2H Compatible Cars?
7. Follow the Instructions
Every electronic device comes with an instruction manual and user guide which needs to be read thoroughly and followed. With proper information on using, maintaining, and charging you can prevent fire accidents to a large extent.
8. Install a Smoke Detector
The area where you charge your e-bike should have a smoke detector. Detecting a fire in its absolute initial stage can help take the required measures to avoid the explosion or at least minimize the damage. Also, you can remove the battery for the time being to save your vehicle from damage too.
Also See: Can You Power a Garage with Solar Panels?
9. Monitor the Process
It is recommended that you monitor the charging process and if you notice a foul smell or smoke, unplug the charger. Contact the service center for battery replacement.
10. 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.
Also Read: How to Prevent Power Surges?
How to Put Out an E-Bike Fire?
After learning how to reduce electric bike fire risk, you should also be ready to put out an e-bike fire if in case it occurs. This is how you can put out an e-bike fire-
- 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.
However, in some cases, you cannot control the fire, and adopting such measures may also not be of much help. To prevent fires, it is important to take preventative measures. In the event of a fire, 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.
Also See: How to Connect Hybrid Inverter to Grid?
How to Increase E-Bike Battery Life?
E-bikes are your daily mode of commute, and you need to understand the ways you can prolong the life of their batteries.
- Do not drain the battery completely: It is recommended not to let your e-bike battery reach below 10% too often. Notice the battery percentage on its LCD display and keep track of it.
- Regularly charge it: To prevent the battery percentage from going below the optimum level of 20% you should charge your bike after each ride. But do not forget to unplug once fully charged.
- Store partially charged: Suppose you do not have plans to ride your e-bike for the coming weeks or longer. It is recommended to not fully charge your battery. Recommended storage battery parentage is between 40% and 80%.
- Maintain the Temperature: Avoid charging in extreme heat or cold conditions to maintain the life of your e-bike batteries.
- Wash with care: Do not submerge your e-bike while washing it because it can damage wiring and batteries the most.
Also Read: To Increase Demand among Travelers Hotels are now Adding EV Charging Stations on Popular Routes
How to Protect My Electric Bike Motor from Damage?
After learning about how to reduce electric bike fire risk, you know that an internally fit e-bike will last longer, and the risk of fire and explosion can be reduced too. To protect your electric bike motor from damage you follow these measures-
1. Do not change factory settings: Motors are specifically rated for their speed range and operating temperature according to these factory settings are pre-adjusted. Any alteration in this can result in overheating of the motor and battery.
2. Keep it Clean: Dust, debris, mud, and water are enemies of your e-bike. Regularly cleaning the bike with proper cleaning instructions mentioned in the user guide will keep the motor and other internal and external parts in good condition.
Note: Never submerge your e-bike in water to clean it. This increases the risk of fire and explosion.
3. Do not ride an e-bike through water: This will result in water seepage in the bike that can enter the motor resulting in rusting. Use an e-bike cover and strap it over while you park it outside open. It will protect us from both rain and sun.
4. Maintain the Tire Pressure: A bike will have to work harder if its tire pressure is low which will further influence the performance of the motor, brakes, and battery. For a smoothly running e-bike, maintain full and proper tire pressure.
In conclusion, today you learned about the ways that lead to e-bike fires along with how to reduce electric bike fire risk. By properly handling, charging, and parking your e-bike, you can reduce the risk of fire in it. In case an e-bike fire does occur, you now also know how to put out the e-bike fire.
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