Battery Assisted Bikes Battery Care

As electrical current passes through cables and battery cells it causes heat due to the electrical resistance in the copper wires. When large batteries are in use or charging, they can generate a large amount of heat which can be accentuated if the battery and cables are of poor quality. With this in mind, it is crucial to charge your battery safely and in an environment where there is little to no risk of fire.

Fire risk

Manufacturers recommend that you do not leave your battery in a house or building unattended due to fire risk so they can avoid any kind of liability. We also advise you not to leave your battery resting on any flammable materials or near anything flammable under any circumstances in order to be on the safe side. For batteries that tend to get hot, we have found that the best place to charge is either outdoors where there is a cool breeze or in a cool garage on a concrete floor.

Charge on the ground

In the interest of both your own safety and for the good of your battery we suggest that you charge your battery on the ground. Your battery is the heaviest component of your ebike, in order to protect yourself from injury from your battery falling, remove that possibility completely and leave it on the ground. A falling battery will not only injure a person it falls on but will also sustain damage if it falls on a hard surface due to its weight. Batteries tend to be an expensive part to replace and repair so it’s best to take some precaution here.

Moisture

Electric bikes are made to be ridden in all conditions including rain and your battery will be resistant to water and moisture. That said - do not charge your battery in a moist environment as over time, moisture can get into the housing and cause damage to the cells. If you are caught in the rain during your ride, be sure to dry off your battery, its terminals and the charging port as soon as possible. If moisture is present when electrical current in being passed through the battery, you will run the risk of getting an electric shock and damaging the battery itself.

Charger

Be sure to use a charger that is the correct amperage for your battery. Chargers that allow a large amount of current travel through them are likely to generate a lot of heat. The charger that comes with your battery is going to the best one to suit your battery. If you must replace your charger for any reason, try for a direct replacement. There are dash type chargers available that force charge into batteries in a short space of time which can be useful if you are short on time but dangerous to use on a consistent basis and for prolonged periods. This style of charger will also damage your battery over time by forcing current into them.

Damaged charger cables

If you can see exposed copper through the outer cable, cover it with high electrical tape immediately. The outer layer of cables are there to insulate the cable and prevent excess heat escaping. Exposed copper or wiring will expose you to a greater fire risk while charging. If your cable is worn and copper is exposing and you wish to continue using it, take extra precautions and ensure that the exposed wire does not come into contact with anything flammable while it is in use.

See more on lithium ion battery safety precautions