E-Bike batteries poses a fire hazard for consumers and shop owners

Around the world, the use of electrical bicycles – also known as e-bikes – has grown at an impressive pace during the last decade. With double digit annual growth rates in many markets. Currently, a wide range of e-bike models are available on the market, with some reaching speeds of 80 km/ h (50 mph).

E-bikes are particularly popular in China, which accounts for well over two-thirds of global sales. Other high profile e-bike markets include Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands. Conventional bicycles are popular in all of these nations, and consumers transitioned to e-bikes over time because of the benefits they offer.

The battery is the most important part of the bike, because it contains all the power that will drive the cyclist along. Lithium-ion batteries, similar to those used in laptop computers and mobile cell phones, are the first choice due to it’s light weight. The battery is mostly located in the luggage rack or low down on the frame. Today’s batteries give between 20 and 60 miles per charge and they can be fully charged within 2-4 hours. Charging is as simple as plugging into a normal wall outlet.