We came across a UK Government report that we link to below, that explains the real causes behind e-bike fires. This is a long and detailed document, so we’ll cut across to the conclusions right away. The headline finding is that the number of e-scooter incidents has stabilized, while e-bike incidents continue to escalate.
Key Findings in Study of E-Bike Fires
Three quarters of e-bike incidents that were included in the study, involved conversion kits. Almost all the fires happened indoors in residential and commercial properties. Fire damage made it difficult to root-cause many incidents. However, the investigators did find evidence of incompatible chargers.
More Findings Behind E-Bike Fires
- Some incompatible battery chargers delivered up to double the battery rating.
- 35% of e-bike owners surveyed purchased a separate battery or charger.
- 41% of those who purchased separate batteries reported ‘safety incidents’.
- 48% of users who purchased separate chargers reported ‘safety incidents’.
- Only 10% of the control group – who did not purchase either – reported ‘safety incidents’.
The Real Causes of E-Bike Thermal Runaway
E-bike thermal runaway occurs when battery chemistry malfunctions, and releases high heat. This process is almost impossible to stop according to the UK Government report. All that an e-bike owner can do is take shelter, and wait while the fire consumes the chemicals.
The UK Government report lists the four real causes behind e-bike fires as follows:
- Mechanical abuse of batteries such as crushing or spiking.
- Thermal abuse causing the batteries to become over-heated.
- Electrical abuse from over-charging or over-discharging.
- Defective battery manufacture and / or using an old battery.
Safety-First For Smart E-Bike Users
Smart e-bike owners should be able to avoid the real causes behind e-bike fires, by adopting the following ‘safety first’ policy:
- Minimize the chance of thermal runaway by purchasing quality batteries, and following manufacturer charging instructions.
- Purchase batteries with sensors for current, voltage, and temperature, so they switch off when battery limits are exceeded.
- Never abuse a battery by damaging it or misusing it, or using a ‘third party charger’ that did not come with the battery.
- Respond immediately when detecting battery overheating. Unplug the charger and move the e-bike outside if this is safe to do.
We offer this advice in good faith and link back to our source. However, that said, we cannot guarantee complete freedom from the possibility of e-bike battery fires breaking out.
More Information
Repairable E-Bike Batteries On Horizon
Restoring E-Bike Battery Confidence in UK
