Electric bikes have grown in popularity, and with it, growing numbers of battery fires - some of them fatal. Here’s a look at the very real dangers of e-bikes and how you can prevent a fire if you own one.
New York City’s Fire Department attributed 202 fires, 142 injuries, and six deaths to fires caused by electric bike or electric scooter batteries.
CR said similar incidents can be found across the country, all linked to the same problem.
“When the lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes are poorly made, overused, overcharged or used with the wrong charger, they can cause fires - and those fires can be violent and difficult to put out,” Ben Preston with Consumer Reports said.
With very little oversight, some companies that make low-quality e-bikes and batteries are finding loopholes to sell their products on e-commerce sites like amazon.
A quick Amazon search shows dozens of e-bikes under $800 - which is not a coincidence.
“There’s a trade law unofficially known as the ‘Amazon loophole,’ which allows items under $800 to sort of dodge taxes and regulations that other products might have to go through,” Preston said.
Amazon tells Consumer Reports, “We continuously monitor the products sold in our store for product safety concerns and when appropriate, remove a product from the store.”
“Because there’s a lack of oversight it’s really up to the consumer to look after your own interest,” Preston said.
If you’re shopping for an e-bike, CR said to look for one with a UL-certified label.
Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage, and always use the power adapter and cord supplied by the manufacturer.
Don’t ever leave the battery charging overnight or while you’re not home.
If you need a new battery, buy it from the same manufacturer as your e-bike.
CR said if at any time your battery starts doing anything unusual – like making a hissing sound - unplug it immediately.
Another safety tip from Consumer Reports: always keep batteries away from heat sources such as heaters or direct sunlight when you’re charging them, and make sure there’s no flammable material nearby.