How to Safely Charge and Store E-Bike Batteries

Quality Verified | Posted July 27, 2023

How to Safely Charge and Store E-Bike Batteries

As e-bikes become more popular, it’s essential for owners to educate themselves on proper battery safety.

Written by Evelyn Kanter

AAA Freelancer

The growing popularity of e-bikes, mopeds, scooters and skateboards for both transportation and recreation has meant a growing danger of fires from improper storage and re-charging. In the first half of 2023, New York City alone reported more than a dozen deaths from more than 100 such battery fires.

The main culprit is low-quality batteries being left to re-charge unattended overnight. If they overheat, they can burst into a fire that is fast-moving and difficult to extinguish.

Safe E-Bike Charging

Most of us charge our laptops and phones overnight. But those have far smaller batteries than an e-bike or e-scooter, which should not be left to charge unattended. It usually takes between 2 to 6 hours to fully charge an e-bike or scooter battery, so leaving it plugged in overnight could be asking for trouble.

Charge e-bikes in an open-air location, if possible, not a garage or apartment entryway.

Use only the cord and power adapter made specifically for your equipment. Do not use off-brand chargers or cords.

Do not overcharge, which can cause the battery to overheat and possibly explode into flames.

Plug directly into a wall socket. Do not use an extension cord or power strip.

Set a timer to remind yourself to unplug when it’s done charging. If you are leaving the house, unplug it and finish charging when you return.

If you notice overheating, an odor, a change in shape or color, leaking or odd noises, unplug it immediately and call 911.

Safe Storage

Store wheeled devices with lithium ion batteries in a cool, dry place away from anything flammable, such as curtains or upholstered furniture.

Do not store your e-bike or scooter in direct sunlight or near any doorway that can block a fire escape route.

Remove the battery if you will not be using your wheeled device for 12 hours or more.

In Case of Fire

Call 911.

Do not try to put out a battery fire yourself, since they burn hotter – as much as 1,500 degrees – and can spread faster than other fires and give off toxic fumes.

Do not throw water on a battery fire. It can produce hydrogen, a highly flammable gas, worsening the situation.

Standard household extinguishers do not work on e-bike batteries, according to the New York Fire Department, and can cause flames to spread.

Keep in mind, battery fires can re-ignite hours or days later.

Maintenance and Disposal

If your battery is damaged in any way, get a new one. Like bike helmets, they should be replaced after a crash, even if there is no visible damage.

Never put a battery in the trash or recycling bin, which is dangerous anywhere and illegal in many municipalities.

Find an official battery recycling center for proper disposal or call your local fire department for advice and information.

AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.

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