Repair and Run
29-09-2022
Your complete manual on battery safety for electric bikes and scooters
Advice drawn from many years' experience with E-Bikes and E-Scooters .
In 15-minute cities, essential services are within a short walk or bike ride, reducing the need for long commutes. E-bikes and e-scooters offer convenient, eco-friendly travel options, aligning with this urban design for sustainability and livability.
This comprehensive guide covers the technology, fire-prevention measures and essential safety precautions to keep your e-bike or e-scooter journey both exciting and safe.
Demystifying the Technology:
Understanding electric bike and scooter batteries Electric bike and scooter batteries, which use lithium-ion cells, come in a variety of forms.
Cylindrical cells, favored by leading manufacturers, withstand high temperatures without deforming.
The Battery Management System (BMS) at the heart of the battery regulates the performance of each individual cell for extended reliability.
In addition to the BMS, the chargers also regulate the battery charging process and stop charging when the required voltage is reached.
Safety Assurance: Collaborative Development and Beyond
Safety is paramount when it comes to batteries for electric bikes and scooters.
Collaborative efforts with reputable manufacturers ensure compliance with the strictest safety standards.
We recommend buying from a reputable manufacturer as a first step towards safety.
Unique features, including individual separators to prevent heat propagation and real-time monitoring during charging, help create safe, reliable, high-performance batteries.
Fire Prevention Guidelines: Insights from Experts
While electric bikes are a practical alternative, the lithium batteries they contain present a fire hazard if mishandled.
Fires can result from manufacturing defects, design faults, misuse or incompatible chargers.
Similar risks apply to any device containing a lithium battery.
Proactive Measures to Prevent E-Bike Fires:
-Avoid using power patch leads; plug the charger directly into the wall mains supply.
-Install a smoke detector where you charge your e-bike, ensuring audibility.
-If your battery or e-bike has been in a flooding event, consider it permanently damaged and avoid charging.
-Recycle responsibly.
-Store the battery at 50-70% charge in a cool dry place.
-Avoid exposing batteries to extreme heat or cold.
-Charge between 20% to 80%, avoiding discharge below 20% and charging before reaching 80%.
-Disconnect the charger from the battery and wiring after charging.
-Store disused batteries in a metal cabinet, isolating all connections, and recycle them promptly.
Guidelines from the New York Fire Department:
The New York Fire Department emphasizes essential safety practices for electric bike owners, including purchasing certified electric bikes, following charging and storage instructions, using the manufacturer's power cord and adapter, and not leaving the bike unattended while charging.
Usage and Storage Tips:
-Charge between 20% to 80%, avoiding discharge below 20% and charging before reaching 80%.
-Store the battery at 50-70% charge in a cool, dry place.An e-bike battery typically lasts between 3 to 6 years depending on usage.
-Avoid leaving your battery charging overnight; disconnect the charger after charging.
-Store disused batteries in a metal cabinet, isolate all connections, and have them recycled as soon as possible.
Power / Range / Volt:
A 36v battery with 15Ah will give you 540Wh
Battery Types:
Explore various battery types, from frame and integrated frame batteries to seat post, rack, bottle, and bare batteries.
Battery Status:
Battery Status: Learn how to gauge your battery's status over its lifespan.
Use the provided chart to understand voltage measurements and assess battery wear.
Repair and Run can provide you with a complete Battery Load Test and give you is exact capacity , this is really helpful if you want to buy or sell a second hand bike or to diagnose an electric issue. CONTACT US.
Types of Voltage and chargers:
Understand the different voltage options (36v, 48v, 52v, 60v) and match them to specific chargers for optimum performance.
Recognize the importance of using chargers specific to your battery voltage for safe and efficient charging.
Here are the most common voltage matches for chargers
36v = 42v
48v=54.6v
52v=58.8v
60v=67.2v
72v=84v
More Safety Tips:
-Store batteries in a dry and ventilated area.
-Mask exposed connections with duct tape or non-conductive material.
Refrain from opening batteries.
-Fire gloves can also be useful in case of emergency
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this comprehensive guide on e-bike and e-scooter battery safety is intended for general informational purposes only.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, individual circumstances may vary, and specific situations may require professional advice.
This guide does not substitute for professional guidance, and readers are encouraged to consult with manufacturers, safety experts, or relevant authorities for personalized information related to their specific e-bike or e-scooter models.
The guidelines and recommendations outlined in this guide are based on industry best practices, expert opinions, and available research as of the knowledge cutoff date in January 2022.
However, technology and safety standards may evolve, and readers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest developments in e-bike and e-scooter safety.
Readers should exercise caution and apply discretion when implementing any safety measures or tips mentioned in this guide.
The authors, Repair and Run, and associated entities shall not be held responsible for any consequences arising from the use or misuse of the information provided in this guide.It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions, adhere to local regulations, and prioritize personal safety when using and maintaining electric bikes and scooters.
Always seek professional advice when in doubt, and take appropriate precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with your e-bike or e-scooter.