How safe are e-bike batteries?

There are a few points to bear in mind for the safe handling of e-bike batteries, just as with smartphone or laptop batteries. In general, they are no more “dangerous” than other battery types. In this article, we give you the relevant tips and explain what you can do to ensure the safety of your bike battery. 

Can e-bike and pedelec batteries explode or catch fire?

The e-bike is a safe means of transport. Yes, e-bike batteries can explode or catch fire, like all electrical objects. But: “Being able” does not mean becoming. In normal use, there is virtually no risk – the chance of a battery catching fire on its own is less than 1:1,000,000. Cases in which a pedelec battery has exploded are effectively always caused by incorrect handling of the battery. 

With Bosch rechargeable batteries, each individual cell is also protected by a robust steel cup and stored in a plastic or aluminium battery housing. Do not open this housing. You should also avoid direct blows, hard knocks, dropping and exposure to extreme heat. 

What safety instructions are there for charging an e-bike battery? 

The most frequent contact with the battery of your e-bike is when you are charging it. Therefore, this is where you will find the most tips for safe handling. For example, you should not charge your bike battery unsupervised. A fire-safe place such as a stone floor, away from flammable materials, is ideal for the charging process. Ideally, the room should have a smoke detector. 

Also important: When charging for the first time in months, you should always keep an eye on the battery. The same applies to a previous deep discharge or after a long period of storage in a cold environment. Always use the original charger. And after charging, the batteries and charger should be disconnected from the power supply as soon as possible. If you follow our instructions for handling a lithium-ion battery, e-bike batteries will not explode. By the way: You can also find more information in our article Charging your e-bike battery correctly. 

In the worst case: E-bike battery burns, what to do? 

If your battery does catch fire, do not extinguish it with an ABC fire extinguisher. This does not prevent the fire in the battery from moving from the source of the fire to other cells. Water can cool it down, but the fire brigade uses special water jets for battery fires. At home, it is best to use sand or special fire extinguishers for e-bike batteries.

What to do with damaged bike batteries? 

Did you drop your e-bike battery or did it sustain other damage? Batteries must not be opened under any circumstances, not even as part of a repair. Mechanical damage can lead to internal short circuits. In these cases, dispose of the battery properly.

What about e-bike batteries and high temperatures in summer? 

Does my bike battery need “sun protection”? E-bike batteries can react very sensitively to extreme temperatures. Heat increases the internal resistance of the battery. This leads to more energy being converted into heat in the battery cells. Heat can therefore reduce the range of your battery, just like cold. Avoid exposing the battery to direct sunlight for long periods of time. Airstream helps here, of course, this applies to e-bikes who stands for longer (for example during the charging process). 

How do I protect my e-bike battery in winter? 

If temperatures drop below zero degrees, the battery may lose capacity. It is advisable to remove the battery after driving and store it at room temperature. You should only reinsert it shortly before the next journey. If you are travelling on your e-bike for long periods in cold weather, it makes sense to use thermal covers. 

Are storage boxes for e-bike batteries useful? 

The recommendation to store the battery in a metal cabinet or a metal box is not a good idea. A battery fire generates temperatures of around 1000° Celsius. This effect can lead to high surface temperatures if the cabinet or box is not sufficiently ventilated. This increases the risk of the battery exploding. 

For this reason, there are special storage boxes and bags for e-bikes and bicycle batteries on the market. If you follow the instructions in our article Storing and caring for your e-bike battery, you don’t necessarily need a special storage box for your e-bike battery. If you feel safer with it, such a box can be a good investment. This not only protects your battery from fire, but also from scratches that can occur during transport or storage.