Preventing Ebike Battery Fires
November 21, 2024
More people are embracing e-mobility by choosing to get around on electric bicycles (ebikes). While there are many options available, it’s crucial to ensure the ebike you purchase meets safety standards and carries the necessary certifications. This guarantees a worry-free ride every time, especially when it comes to ebike battery safety.
Many ebikes feature lithium-ion batteries, which may catch fire if they are poorly made, don’t meet safety regulations, or if they aren’t properly cared for. By understanding what to look for, you can choose an ebike and battery that meet high safety standards and enjoy your ride worry-free.
At Aventon, we're committed to promoting rider safety, especially in a growing ebike market. It’s essential to choose companies that prioritize quality components, particularly for ebike batteries and chargers.
In this article, we’ll highlight the importance of high-quality components, battery safety, and ways to reduce ebike battery fires, so you can enjoy a safe ride every time you hit the road.
1a. Are Electric Bike Batteries Safe?
2. Why Is UL 2849 Certification Important for Ebike Batteries?
2a. How to Prevent Ebike Battery Fires
3. Battery Precautions and Proper Handling
3a. Charging Your Ebike Battery
3b. Storing Your Ebike Battery
3c. Do Ebike Battery Bags Work to Improve Battery Safety?
3d. General Do’s and Don'ts With Ebike Batteries
4. Aventon’s Pursuit of Safety
Ebike Batteries Explained
Electric bike batteries are rechargeable batteries that provide power to the electric motor of an ebike. They come in a variety of types and sizes, and can be made from different materials such as lead-acid, lithium-ion, and nickel-cadmium.
The most common type of battery used in ebikes today is the lithium-ion battery. This is because lithium-ion batteries have a high energy density, meaning they can store large amounts of energy in a small space, and they also have a relatively long lifespan of up to 5 years or more depending on maintenance and care.
All Aventon ebikes use lithium-ion batteries.
Are Electric Bike Batteries Safe?
Yes, electric bike batteries are generally safe when used and maintained properly. To ensure you have a safe ebike battery, check that it comes from a reputable brand and meets international safety certifications.
Look for a UL 2849 rating, which is one of the industry’s safety certifications for batteries. It ensures a battery meets fire and electrical shock safety standards.
Most ebike battery packs are made with lithium-ion cells. These are the same types of batteries that power laptops, cell phones, electric cars, and other modern-day tech. They can pose a fire risk if they’re damaged. To keep your ebike battery safe, unplug it when it’s done charging. Keep it away from sharp objects, and charge or store the batteries in a cool, dry place to avoid overheating.
Why Is UL 2849 Certification Important For Ebike Batteries?
UL certification is the ebike industry standard for ensuring companies are compliant with safety measures for their products, and a great indicator that they have done their due-diligence to ensure they’ve used quality materials and tested their bike batteries rigorously.
UL puts products through extensive testing and examination, including battery functionality, to ensure they meet the electric bike battery fire safety requirements. When it comes to electric bike battery safety, the necessary precautions start with the foundation of the product:
- ✓ Is it being made with quality materials?
- ✓ Has it been put through rigorous testing to ensure the safety of the product?
- ✓ Do the manufacturers have the certifications to prove it?
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These are all great questions to ask before looking to purchase, plug-in, and hop on.
TUV certification is European standard compliant to UL 2849 standard. In order to receive certification, ebikes and their electrical components are put through rigorous testing to ensure they meet the required safety standards. Most Aventon ebikes are TUV certified in compliance with the North American standard of UL 2849 certification recognized by OSHA.
How to Prevent Ebike Battery Fires
The best way to prevent ebike battery fires is to avoid inexpensive ebikes made with materials and components that have not been tested or have received proper certification. Here are a six other ways in which you can prevent ebike fires:
- 1. Keep your battery away from heat, direct sunlight, flammable materials, and moisture.
- 2. Use the charger that came with your e-bike, and don't overcharge it. Only charge until it's fully charged, and don't leave it charging overnight or unattended.
- 3. Read the owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging, storing, and maintaining your battery.
- 4. Don't use damaged batteries, and avoid second-hand batteries or recalled e-bikes.
- 5. Check your battery for signs of danger, like a strange smell, leaking, odd noises, or a change in shape.
- 6. If your battery is damaged or you're having trouble with it, contact the manufacturer.
Battery Precautions and Proper Handling
It’s no secret that ebike batteries can be hazardous ONLY if they’re not handled or maintained properly, or are simply made with inexpensive materials and components that have not been tested. To promote ebike battery fire safety, it’s important to only use the recommended battery for your ebike and to follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging and maintenance.
Here’s a few things to consider to ensure you have the knowledge of ebike fire hazards and prevention.
Charging Your Ebike Battery
Aventon ebike batteries can be charged using a standard household outlet or a specialized ebike charger. The charging time can vary depending on the capacity of the battery and the type of charger used.
With Aventon’s fast-charging battery chargers, it takes anywhere from 2 to 6 hours to fully charge an ebike battery depending on how much remaining battery power is left. Be sure not to overcharge your ebike battery as this can lead to the depreciation of battery life and may be hazardous depending on the quality of the battery itself.
Use the Recommended Battery and Charger for Your Ebike
Only use Aventon batteries that are specifically designed and recommended for your Aventon ebike model.
When charging, use the charger that is specifically designed for your Aventon battery. Battery charger voltage has to match the voltage of the battery, otherwise it can either short circuit and/or cause damage to the battery.
Keep this in mind when purchasing an Aventon replacement battery or Aventon charger. You’ll need to choose the proper Aventon battery and charger for your specific ebike model.
Follow the Manufacturer's Instructions
Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific electric bike battery information—like charging, maintaining, and using the battery.
Storing Your Ebike Battery
It's important to note that the performance and lifespan of an ebike battery can be affected by factors such as how it's used and stored, and how well it's maintained.
Taking proper care and maintenance of your Aventon battery can help to prolong its lifespan and ensure that it continues to perform at its best.
Keep Your Ebike Battery Cool
Avoid exposing the battery to high temperatures, as this can cause the battery to overheat. Keep them in a cool, dry place, and out of reach of children for the best electric bike battery storage safety practices.
According to Amprius Technologies, a leader in battery technology and manufacturing, here are the temperatures to remember for your Aventon battery:
| Charging | The ideal temperature range for charging a lithium-ion battery is 32° F to 114° F. Charging a lithium-ion battery below 32° F can damage the battery or reduce its lifespan. |
| Discharging | The ideal temperature range for discharging a lithium-ion battery is -4° F to 130° F. |
| Storage | The ideal temperature range for storing a lithium-ion battery is 20° F to 95° F. |
| Operating | The optimal operating range for lithium-ion batteries is 68° F to 77° F (20° C to 25° C). |
It’s easy to follow these practices with an Aventon ebike battery because it’s removable and can be stored separate from the bike frame.
Do Ebike Battery Bags Work to Improve Battery Safety?
Ebike battery bags are a smart investment for protecting your battery and enhancing safety. High-quality bags, like those from Ebike Escape, offer key features to address common concerns.
A fire-resistant inner liner is designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent fires from spreading, providing extra peace of mind. Many of these bags are rigorously tested to meet safety standards. Additionally, waterproofing protects the battery from water damage, making them ideal for use in unpredictable weather or outdoor storage.
Top-quality battery bags also come in various sizes to fit different battery types. For example, some brands like Ebike Escape’s large battery bag accommodates almost any battery, offering a versatile solution for riders.
While no bag can eliminate all risks, pairing one with proper battery care greatly enhances safety. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for charging and storage, avoid extreme temperatures, and keep your battery away from flammable materials. Together, these precautions ensure your ebike battery remains secure and reliable.
General Do’s and Don’ts With Ebike Batteries
Regularly check the battery: Regularly check the battery for any signs of damage or wear and tear, such as bulging or leaking. If any such signs are observed, it would be best to replace the battery.
Never attempt to open or repair the battery: The inside of a battery can be dangerous. If you suspect a problem with the battery, take it to a professional or recycle it!
Avoid damage: Never puncture or damage the battery, as this can cause a short circuit, or worse, an ebike fire.
When it comes to ebike batteries, safety should always be the top priority. By following these guidelines, you can help reduce the risk of fire and ensure the safe use of your ebike.
Aventon’s Pursuit of Safety
At Aventon, we strive to create products that comply with international safety standards. From design to manufacturing and assembly, Aventon manufactures bikes that are TUV and UL certified to meet safety standards for fire and electrical risks. We partner with leading brands like LG and Samsung to offer high-quality ebike batteries with safety in mind.
What Is Aventon’s Battery Manufacturer?
Aventon uses quality-made batteries with LG and Samsung battery cells. Most Aventon batteries are TUV certified in accordance with UL 2849. Aventon Abound SR is UL 2849 and UL 2271 certified. This ensures they meet safety standards for fire, electric shock, and short circuit risks. The UL 2849 certification covers battery management systems (BMS) as well as other electronic systems, including the motor.
Is Aventon a Good Brand in Regards to Battery Safety?
Aventon is a great brand when it comes to ebike battery safety—and here’s why. All of our ebikes are manufactured with high-quality components, from the bike motor and battery to the frames and accessories.
Aventon ebike batteries and their components are TUV certified in compliance with the UL 2849 standard, meaning they have been put through rigorous testing, ensuring the product is safe for public sale and consumer use.
To learn more about UL certification and electric bike battery safety tips, take a look at our blog Taking Care of Your Ebike Battery: The Ultimate Guide to protect you, your ebike battery, and those around you.
Not only do we offer ebikes with quality construction, we support you through the buying process. Whether you’re looking for info on the best models or advice on choosing the right bikes, our customer service is always ready to help, and you can schedule in-person test rides at more than 1,800 bike shops around the country.
Ride Free, Ride Safe
Knowledge is power, and is the greatest safeguard when it comes to using high-powered products. We want you to know everything there is to know about ebike batteries and chargers so that you can handle them with care to protect you and those around you, and to continue to find happiness every time you ride.
Our riders mean the world to us at Aventon, and we wholeheartedly want to ensure their safety on and off the saddle. Please spread the word and help us in this endeavor to educate and enlighten those on the importance of ebike battery best practices and preventing ebike battery fires.
