Basically, everyone is familiar with what batteries are. Batteries are essential to our daily lives, powering everything from cell phones, to electric vehicles, to electric scooters. While they are incredibly convenient and reliable, batteries can also be dangerous if not used properly. You just need to search for battery-fail videos online to see how scary that situation can be. Battery fires are a very real hazard and can cause serious damage to property and even loss of life.
Lithium-based batteries are a top choice for many devices, including electric bikes, for good reason. However, the very properties that make lithium batteries efficient also introduce potential risks. The lithium used is a very reactive alkaline metal that is highly combustible. And while lithium-ion batteries do not contain free lithium metal, they still do contain lithium-ion and other flammable electrolytes that may pose a risk.
Although incidents of lithium battery fires are infrequent, their potential severity demands our attention. To keep ourselves safe, it's crucial to understand how these batteries function, recognize what can instigate a fire, and be equipped with knowledge on prevention and timely intervention.
Failure to follow these safety guidelines may result in fire, electric shock, or damage to the battery. Please read and understand the manufacturer's instructions before charging the lithium-ion battery.
1. Do not attempt to charge your E-bike if the charger or the power outlet is wet.
2. Never charge your battery inside your house.
3. Never leave your E-bike unattended while it is charging. If you must leave the house or go to sleep while your battery is charging, be sure to unplug them first.
4. As with any electronic device, the manufacturer suggests that users use a surge protector when charging to help protect your Ebike from damage due to power surges and voltage spikes.
5. Always charge the battery in a well-ventilated area.
6. Do not charge the battery near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
7. Charging should be conducted at a temperature between 32-104° F (0-40°C). Do not charge the battery at temperatures outside the stated limits.
8. Only use the original supplied charger, pay attention to the battery type, and the applicable voltage of the charger. Do not mix chargers between bikes.
9. Never overcharge your rechargeable battery; only recharge them for the amount of time specified by the manufacturer.
10. Watch where you charge your electric bike. It should be away from flammable surfaces that can easily catch fire in case the battery malfunctions. This includes things like paper, fabric, and vinyl wood. If possible, try charging the battery in a fire-safe charging bag.
11. During charging operations, it is normal for a healthy battery to be slightly warm. However, if you notice the battery becoming excessively hot, releasing smoke, or emitting a smell, immediately disconnect it from the power source. These signs could indicate that the battery is overheating and could potentially catch fire.
Battery Pack Maintenance
1. When used at room temperature(70° F[22℃ ])the battery range and performance is at its best;whereas using it at temperatures below 32° F(0℃)can decrease range and performance.Typically, at-4° F(-20℃) range can be half that of the same battery at 70° F(22℃).Battery range will recover when temperature rises. Do not ride when the ambient temperature is outside the machine operation temperature(14-104° F[-10-40℃]）．
2. It is strictly forbidden to place the battery in fire,water,and acid or alkaline liquid.
3. Do not disassemble or solder the battery without permission;Do not pierce the battery;Do not throw and impact the battery; Do not insert metal objects into the charging port to avoid short-circuit.
4. Keep the battery away from heat sources such as fire/heaters. Do not use/storage the batteries at above 122° F(50℃), such as in direct sunlight, which can cause overheating, ignition and failure of function.
5. Should any leakage or other abnormalities (including breakage, emission of odd smell or smoke,discoloration,deforms,overheating,etc.), stop using the product immediately and prevent the battery from contacting other objects.
6. If your E-bike battery catches fire or smokes, if the fire is small and manageable, the best way to extinguish it is by using a standard ABC or BC dry chemical fire extinguisher. These extinguishers can be found at most hardware stores. If you do not have a Class B fire extinguisher, you can try to smother the fire with sand, or dirt, but only attempt this if you are formally trained in basic fire fighting techniques.
Storage
- Do not store the battery at temperatures outside the stated limits(-4-122° F[-20-50℃]).
- Do not store your battery in a humid environment.
- Typically, a fully charged battery should retain charge for 120-180 days in Standby Mode. A low-power battery should retain charge for 30-60 days in Standby Mode. Remember to charge the battery at least once every two months. Completely draining the battery may cause permanent damage to the battery. Electronics inside the battery record the charge-discharge conditton of the battery, damage caused by over-discharge or under-discharge will not be covered by the Limited Warranty.
User Responsibility
Recycling old/discarded batteries is good for the natural environment. Please disposal the discarded batteries safely and properly. Refer to your local lawsand regulations regarding battery recycling and/or disposal.
