ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT E-BIKE BATTERY SAFETY

In Australia, short car trips are the norm—school drop-offs, grocery runs, you name it. Nearly half of our daily car trips are under 10km, and that’s a big problem for emissions.

Micromobility—using e-bikes and scooters to get around—could flip the script. But headlines about battery fires have made some people nervous. And while our climate makes e-bikes a great option, it also brings risks. Heat and salty air can be tough on poorly built electrical gear not designed for Aussie conditions.

WHAT IS A LITHIUM-ION BATTERY?

Lithium-ion batteries power most of today's laptops, phones, e-bikes, scooters, and power tools. But if they're poorly made or mishandled, they pose a greater risk than traditional batteries due to their volatile chemicals and complex inner workings. In Australia, inconsistent state-by-state regulations create loopholes that let substandard batteries slip through - leaving consuumers confused and potentially unsafe. 

NOT ALL LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES ARE THE SAME

Most E-Bikes use lithium-ion batters because they're efficient, compact, and reliable-but many aren't properly tested. That same efficiency can turn dangerous under the wrong conditions, especially in cheap bikes with low-quality batteries. 

CHARGING YOUR E-BIKE SAFELY

1. The batteries should be charged at room temperature in a dry location where a smoke detector is installed.
2. You can charge your battery on or off your bike. If you remove it, when you are reinstalling it, remember to push and listen for a click.
3. The general recommendation for Lithium-ion batteries is to unplug it when it's fully charged.
4. While it won't start a fire, we do recommend unplugging as soon as is practicable once its full. This will extend the life of the battery.
5. Only use the battery and charger provided with your e-bike.

SAFELY CHANGE THE WAY YOU MOVE AROUND

E-bikes can transform the way we move, but safety comes first. Most battery fires making headlines involve cheap, uncertified batteries. To stay safe, choose bikes and batteries certified to the highest standard: UL2849. And always follow proper charging and maintenance guidelines. 

There you have it. Charge your battery correctly. Leave it in safe setting. Don't overcharge it. Keep up maintenance on your E-Bike and run battery diagnostics regularly to increase the longevity of your battery and E-Bike.