I've been reading about problems with e-bikes catching on fire. What is the problem and what can be done about it?
Question: I've been reading about problems with e-bikes catching on fire. What is the problem and what can be done about it?
Answer: E-bikes sales and use have increased rapidly over the past few years, especially in urban areas where they may replace cars for commuting and delivery. Many e-bike fires are caused by substandard lithium-ion batteries or their charging systems, and unfortunately, substandard batteries that are counterfeit or cut corners on safety have flooded the market. Lithium-ion batteries that go into thermal runaway and catch fire are particularly dangerous because they are hard to extinguish. Over the past two years, there have been at least 208 fires or overheating heating events that caused a reported 19 fatalities, according to the CPSC.
As lithium-ion batteries have been added to more and more types of e-mobility devices, UL has developed new safety standards that include performance requirements to mitigate fire risks:
UL 2271, Standard for Batteries for Use In Light Electric Vehicle Applications, covers any storage battery for a powered bicycle or mobility device.
UL 2849, Standard for Electrical Systems for e-Bikes, covers the electrical system of any powered bicycle.
UL 2272, Standard for Electrical Systems for Personal E-Mobility Devices, for all powered mobility devices, including e-scooters.
There are a number of actions that should be taken to reduce the risk of e-bikes catching fire, and reduce injuries and deaths from any fire that may occur:
Ensure that all e-bikes, electric scooters, or their replacement batteries are certified to meet the applicable UL standard. New York City has just passed legislation that will require third-party safety certification of battery-powered micro mobility devices to the above UL standards, and as a result all micro mobility devices that are sold, distributed, leased, or rented in the city will have to comply with those standards.
Follow all manufacturers’ instructions associated with their e-bike, electric scooter, or replacement batteries.
Ensure that charging e-bikes doesn’t block fire escape routes, and that all smoke alarms are in good working condition in case there is a fire.
— by George Borlase, Vice President of Standards Development, UL Standards & Engagement