More and more people are riding an e-bike or e-scooter. That is convenient and sustainable, but the batteries can be a fire hazard if you charge them incorrectly. The fire brigade sees that the number of fires caused by batteries is still high. Fortunately, you can charge safely yourself with a few simple steps.
E-bikes and e-scooters have become an indispensable part of the street scene. But did you know that batteries can be a fire hazard if you charge them incorrectly? Fortunately, you can do a lot yourself to charge safely! There are a lot useful tips and firefighter Peter Schuurmans provides advice.
This is where things go wrong
Some people charge their e-bike or bicycle battery in the living room, the stairwell or even in the bedroom. “We once came to a fire where someone charged his electric bicycle in the bedroom. The entire room burned down,” says Peter. “The escape routes are therefore less accessible and the toxic smoke makes flights extra difficult.”
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Stay close
To prevent more fires due to charging, the fire brigade has drawn up a number of tips. The first: stay close. “Charge when you are at home. If you are sitting on the couch, you can quickly intervene if something goes wrong,” Peter explains. “So don’t go to sleep or go shopping while the battery is still on the charger.”
Hang a smoke detector
A smoke detector can save lives, Peter emphasizes. “If something goes wrong, the smoke detector goes off immediately. Always hang one near the place where you load. This way you are warned early and you can act faster in the event of a fire.”
Use the original charger
Always use the original charger that came with your battery. “That ensures a safe way of charging,” says Peter. “Universal chargers can damage the battery. Do not leave your battery unnecessarily connected to the charger. More than one hundred percent will not fit. If the battery is full, pull the plug.”
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Charge in a safe place
Charging outside in a shed or garden is safest. If that is not possible, choose a sturdy, non-flammable place in the house. “Never place your battery on a pile of newspapers or on the couch. Always choose a safe surface,” Peter advises.
If things go wrong
Battery fires produce toxic smoke and are difficult to stop. Is something going wrong? Then leave immediately, make sure you stay out of the smoke and call 112. This also applies to: chargers and batteries from your phone or other devices.
Check all tips
Fortunately, you can do it yourself safely! Would you like to take a closer look at all the advice? On Iloadaccurately Read how you can safely charge all your batteries.