The popularity of electric bikes and electric scooters (e-bikes and e-scooters) have grown a lot lately. Most use lithium-ion batteries to work. But if these batteries get damaged or used the wrong way, they can catch fire or even explode. Whether you use e-bikes or e-scooters for getting around or just for fun, it’s important to remember the following safety tips when charging or storing them.
The Problem
- Damaged or defective batteries can overheat, catch fire or explode.
- Lithium-ion battery fires give off toxic gases and burn extremely hot.
Safety Tips
- Keep your e-bikes, e-scooters, and batteries away from exit doors and anything hot or flammable.
- Only purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly.
- Always follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
- Only use the battery and charger that came with your device.
- Stop charging your device as soon as it’s fully charged.
- Only charge one battery at a time to prevent overloading the circuit.
- Keep batteries at room temperature. Don’t charge them if it’s too cold (below 32°F or 0°C) or too hot (above 105°F or 40°C).
- Don’t leave batteries in sunlight or in hot cars. Keep them away from kids and liquids.
- Get a professional to fix your device if it’s broken. Don’t tamper with the battery on your own.
- Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash. It’s best to recycle them. Take the batteries to a battery recycling location or contact your local waste department for disposal instructions.
Signs of a Problem
Stop using the e-bike or e-scooter if you notice any of these problems with the battery:
- Unusual odor
- Change in color
- Too hot to touch
- Swelling
- Leaking
- Smoking
- Not keeping a charge