UPDATE April 25th

The Danger Posed By Some E-Bike Batteries Are In The News Again

And it’s not just isolated to e-bikes; scooters and other “micromobility” devices, cell phones, tablets, laptops and more with lithium batteries have been associated with an elevated risk of fire.

This has been in the news again lately with the number of recent fires in New York City in particular giving cause for serious concern. We’ve gotten a couple questions about e-bikes and similar devices that require lithium batteries. Specifically, what should our residents be on the look out for?

Special thanks to the PT Board Vice President Monique Fouant who raised this concern most recently, after hearing about the problem on a radio program.

First, there are guidelines users can follow for these devices when they are being purchased, when they are being stored and when they are being charged. Most importantly, knowing what type of lithium batteries follow the best industry standards available. Following are tips from Consumer Reports:

• Buy an electric bike that is certified by a qualified testing organization such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL). The same applies to other devices powered by a lithium-ion battery. (Click Here to learn about UL ratings and certifications.) 
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage.
• Always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter made specifically for the bike.
• Do not leave an electric bike unattended while it’s charging, and don’t leave it charging overnight.
• If a battery overheats or you notice an odor, a change in shape or color, leaking, or odd noises, stop using it immediately.
• If the battery reacts in an alarming way, and it is safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 911.
• Keep batteries and devices at room temperature. Do not place them in direct sunlight.
• Store batteries away from anything flammable.
• Do not use aftermarket batteries.
• Do not charge an electronic device under your pillow, on your bed, or near a couch.
• Do not block your primary way into and out of the building with an e-bike or other device.
• Do not leave an e-bike in a child’s room (or, say CR safety advocates, bedrooms in general).

For more on this topic from the source article with Consumer Reports, Click Here.

Also, as we did some research we found some very good materials from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). First, Click Here for a flyer with E-Bike and E-Scooter safety tips. Also, below is an excellent video presentation about the history of e-bikes and similar devices, and break down the difficulties with their use of lithium batteries – or perhaps as you will see it is really OUR use of lithium batteries that can be truly problematic, as the Consumer Reports list above alludes to:

ORIGINAL POST March 8th

Shared By Unit Owner Michael Bonfiglio

While this is specifically related to events in New York City, this very well could happen anywhere some E-Bikes are stored and charged.

From The New York Post Online

More NYC fires caused by lithium-ion batteries from e-bikes in 2 months than in all of 2019: FDNY chief