Hopping on an e-bike is a great option to zip around sans car. Yet, with cities like New York and Denver passing strict regulations, safety is key. CEO of eBliss Global, Bill Klehm shares how to choose the best e-bike safely.
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Whether it’s a way to avoid circling a city block for parking or to avoid emissions from your car, there are different (and equally good) reasons to hop on an e-bike. They’re convenient, allow you to swiftly move around a city, and studies show that they’re ‘greener’ than cars. Plus, they’re just cool. But just as there are positive aspects to zipping around a city on an electric bike, there’s a downside too. As e bikes have risen in popularity, so too have the number of retailers. And, not all ebikes are not created equally. Just as fast fashion is known for soddy seams and cutting corners, the same can be said for some ebike manufacturers. Unfortunately, the slack production can lead to fires from batteries.
Denver and New York are two cities that have recently tried to regulate the sale of e-bikes to ensure widespread safety. And more consumer manuals are available aimed at educating buyers about how to properly buy, charge, and store their e-bikes. One of the leading voices in the industry focused on educating the public is Bill Klehm, CEO of eBliss Global, an e-mobility company. Bill shared with The Wellness Feed his take on the recent regulations, tips on buying e-bikes safely, and what the future holds for this green mode of transport.
In highly populated cities like NY, fires from e-bikes have risen more than 1,000% since 2019. As manufacturers, what do you think is the key to stopping this threat?
Stopping e-bike fires starts with the manufacturing and design of batteries. As of now, there is not much regulation when it comes to the e-bike industry, so cheaper e-bike manufacturers cut corners when it comes to battery safety. In America, we need to petition the FTC to revise the requirements/exclusions that Amazon has received where goods under $800 are exempt for inspection. This is a fundamental issue with importing batteries.
To ensure safe batteries, manufacturers need to implement rigorous quality control measures. Batteries need to be thoroughly tested and need to meet UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or CE (Conformité Européene) certifications.
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Lithium batteries are used in laptops, cell phones, and cars. But these aren’t considered dangerous. Why is an e-bike battery so dangerous?
E-bike batteries are larger and often subjected to more extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and physical stress, during usage and charging. These conditions can increase the likelihood of thermal runaway – especially in cheaper batteries, a process that can lead to battery fires.
What safety precautions can buyers take when purchasing e-bikes and batteries?
Customers need to choose e-bikes that are manufactured by companies that prioritize safety.
- Look for e-bikes and batteries that have undergone independent safety certifications, such as UL or CE markings.
- Inspect the e-bike and battery for any signs of damage or defects before purchasing.
- Avoid buying second-hand or counterfeit products, as their safety cannot be guaranteed.
As with all appliances, it’s important to read and understand the user manual and safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Follow the recommended charging procedures and avoid using incompatible chargers.
What precautions can customers take when using and charging their batteries?
E-bike battery safety is much like battery safety with other electronics, they should be stored in a cool ventilated area, away from flammable materials. Customers should avoid overcharging batteries and follow recommended charging times. Batteries should be regularly inspected for damage including bulging, leaking, or odors. Make sure to use chargers provided by the manufacturer, incompatible or second-hand chargers can increase the risk of fire.
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Are manufacturers working to create ‘safer’ batteries?
Yes, manufacturers are actively working to create safer batteries for e-bikes. They are investing in research and development to improve battery technologies and enhance safety features. For example, some manufacturers are incorporating advanced battery management systems that monitor and regulate the battery’s temperature, voltage, and current to prevent overheating and overcharging.
Do you agree that the bill will make lithium batteries safer? Do you think other regulations are needed?
I’m definitely for making e-bike batteries safer. However, I’d have to see the specifics of the entire bill before making a judgment. Our industry needs regulation, and it will see more as it continues to grow in America.
