Essential eBike Lithium Battery Safety Guide

Are Lithium Batteries in Ebikes Safe?

Lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used in electric bikes nowadays. These batteries are stable, efficient, and have high power densities. Lithium-ion batteries are more environmentally friendly to make, have longer life cycles, and are simpler to dispose of than less expensive lead-acid batteries.

However, the characteristics that make lithium-ion batteries so energy-efficient also make them very explosive under the wrong circumstances, posing a severe safety risk. Lithium-based batteries tend to overheat and can be hazardous if handled improperly or not undergone thorough testing and certification.

Understanding Lithium Batteries in Ebikes

To guarantee the highest level of safety for riders, Heybike Ebikes, their batteries, and numerous other electrical components have undergone extensive testing, and are in accordance with the UL 2849 battery standards. Heybike Ebikes and their batteries are also TUV certified making them safe for use in European countries as well.

Because lithium-ion batteries have a high energy density and a lengthy lifespan, they can store a lot of energy in a small space. Heybike dedicates significant time and effort producing safe and secure lithium-ion Ebikes with cutting-edge systems so riders are provided the best, eco-friendly riding experience.

Common Safety Risks and Concerns

Overcharging

This can occur in one of two ways: when a charger fails to cut off when the battery voltage reaches its maximum setting, or when the Battery Management System (BMS) permits an overcharge but fails to disconnect the battery from the power source when it is complete, or both. This may cause the battery to overheat and catch fire in the worst case. Additionally, trying to charge too quickly may also be a cause.

It is typically due to using an improper charger, which supplies current and voltage higher than the battery can safely handle. If the BMS or charger does not identify the problem and isolate itself, this results in overheating and later fire.

Extreme Temperatures

Thermal runaway is almost always a secondary effect to one or more of the above external factors and does not happen. Over-charging, over-discharging, leaving the battery exposed to extreme (60C+) temperatures, or severe impacts can lead to internal shorts that gradually heat the battery pack beyond safe working limits, causing the cells inside to vent. 

It is characterized by popping noises, followed immediately by hissing as cells vent the rising internal pressure.

Cheap cells like unbranded ones do not have safety measures like a burst disc manufactured into its design and tend to violently explode instead.

Physical Damage

Even active mountain riding can cause regular bumps, jolts, and scrapes to good batteries and can be withstood, but no battery is impenetrable. An authorized repair facility should evaluate your battery if it falls onto a hard surface or rattles. Drops from heights of more than a foot or two onto solid surfaces may dislodge parts, causing internal short circuits that may ignite a fire.

Ebike Battery Safety Tips

• Use a functioning electric bicycle battery at all times; never use or attempt to charge a broken or defective battery.
• Use only the charger that came with your Ebike to recharge the battery.
• Never use refurbished, low-cost, aftermarket, or low-quality Ebike batteries.
• When not in use, if at all possible, keep your Ebike battery inside a fire-resistant cabinet or container.
• To properly dispose of damaged Ebike batteries, speak with your local fire department and store them outside.
• If possible, always keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

FURTHER READING: Tips For Taking Care of Your Ebike Battery

Conclusion

To conclude, sufficient charging is required for the safe and efficient function of batteries. Ebike batteries are vulnerable to common charging mistakes and hazards, including overcharging, exposure to extreme temperatures, and physical damage. These issues can limit performance, resulting in battery failure, battery ignition, or battery explosion. Riders should adhere to the charging, storing, and disposal guidelines provided by Ebike manufacturers to reduce the odds of these situations occurring.

Fire hazards are one of the main concerns with modern-day Ebike. When purchasing an e-bike, ensure the batteries are UL and/or TUV certified.