Hoboken is in Hudson County, New Jersey state. It has the highest public transportation use in any U.S. city, and is renowned for its bicycle-sharing scheme. The Hoboken Fire Department is only one of three that enjoys a Class 1 rating since 1996. We should therefore take note of the best lithium battery practices it recommends.
E-Bikes and E-Scooters Demand Best Lithium Battery Practices
Best lithium battery practices have become critical in Hoboken, since the rapid growth in battery-power transport. This is fast-becoming the new in-way to travel for the e-generation shunning private autos.
All this is good, except for the known risks of lithium-ion batteries mostly powering them. Hoboken Public Safety Department, and Hoboken Fire Department decided to educate the public on how to best use them.
Hoboken Fire Marshal Captain Steven DiVincent believes many of the known lithium battery risks are manageable. That is, if users are mindful of the best lithium battery practices the city recommends.
This education should begin at the point of sale, when the user understands the need for national certification. We set this post aside to remind our readers of the critical factors behind e-scooter, and e-bike battery safety.
Hoboken Fire Chief’s Recommendations for Safe Use
- Only use the battery, adapter, and power cord that came with the device.
- If you have to use replacements, follow the advice of the supplier.
- Rogue batteries and accessories can overcharge, heat and catch fire.
- Plug the proprietary charger in directly, do not use adapters and extensions.
- That’s because extensions and adapters can also overheat and catch fire.
Always make sure you have a safe exit route, when charging any device containing a lithium-ion battery. Remember, smart phones, laptops, cameras, portable chargers and certain medical equipment also use lithium-ion batteries. Close the windows and exit smartly in the event of a fire. Then dial your emergency number and wait for help.
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