E-bikes are popular holiday gifts, but experts warn their lithium-ion batteries can pose fire risks if not handled properly.
Lithium-ion batteries are used in everyday devices like phones, laptops, scooters, e-bikes and even cars.
Marshall Evans, with The Bike Route in Naples, said e-bikes are especially popular during the holidays.
“So a lot of men will buy these bikes for their wives. That way, they can ride together,” Evans said. “It’s also good for people who can’t ride a bike really all that well anymore.”
Evans emphasized the importance of using the correct charger to prevent potential hazards.
“Make sure it’s UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified so you don’t have spontaneous combusting batteries inside your home. Because once a lithium battery starts to burn, it will not burn out until it’s out of energy. So you can’t put it out,” Evans said.
He also advised against overcharging and using aftermarket chargers. Batteries should be unplugged as soon as they are fully charged.
Florida’s climate can add to the risk. Humidity and flooding, especially after storms, can damage e-bike batteries.
“What happened when we had Hurricane Ian come through, a lot of people’s e-bikes were flooded with saltwater. And what can happen is the wiring inside the battery and the motor can get wet and cause a situation,” Evans said. “So what we tell people, if they live in a storm surge area, make sure you have your bikes up and or the batteries out of reach of the water, and make sure you stay safe like that.”
For seasonal residents, Evans recommended charging the battery to about 60%, removing it from the bike, and storing it in a cool, dry place before leaving for extended periods.