E-Bike Battery Protocols Safety
Lithium-ion batteries used in micromobility devices, electric-assisted bicycles, or limited-use motorcycles must meet recognized safety standards such as UL 2849, UL 2271, or EN 15194. Products not meeting these standards are prohibited from sale.
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries found in electric bikes and scooters, cars, laptops, tablets, phones and common household devices.
Lithium-ion battery fires have caused deaths, serious injuries and devastating damage to property around the city. It’s important to follow proper storage, charging, and disposal guidelines for these types of batteries.
Learn how to properly charge, store, or dispose of lithium-ion batteries by visiting nyc.gov/fdny/batteries.
Read DCWP/FDNY Battery Safety Information in:
English
Español (Spanish)
العربية (Arabic)
বাংলা (Bengali)
中文 - 简化字 (Chinese - Simplified)
中文 - 繁體字 (Chinese - Traditional)
Français (French)
Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole)
한국어 (Korean)
Język Polski (Polish)
Русский (Russian)
ردو (Urdu)
Important Reminders:
- The products (i.e., powered bicycles, powered mobility devices, and their storage batteries) must be certified to meet Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards by an accredited laboratory.
- Powered bicycles, such as e-bikes must be certified to UL standard 2849.
- Powered mobility devices, such as e-scooters, hoverboards, segways, e-skateboards, and e-uniwheels, must be certified to UL standard 2272.
- Storage batteries for powered bicycles and powered mobility devices, such as lithium-ion batteries, must be certified to UL standard 2271.
- The products must display the logo, wordmark, or name of the accredited testing laboratory to show its certification. Note: If you sell products online, the safety certification must be on each product listing page.
- You must maintain proof of certification for each product for three years.
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Manual
First Edition, 2024
Copyright, PeopleForBikes Coalition 2024
IMPORTANT: This manual contains important safety, performance and
service information regarding lithium-ion batteries used to power low-speed
electric bicycles (also called “e-bikes”). Read it and all manufacturer
information before you charge your battery or take the first ride on your new
electric bicycle. Keep this manual for future reference.
Additional safety, performance and service information for your e-bike and
battery may also be available. Make sure that your authorized retailer has
given you all the manufacturers’ literature that was included with your e-bike. In
case of a conflict between the instructions in this manual and information
provided by a manufacturer, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you have any questions or do not understand something, take responsibility for
your safety and consult with your authorized retailer or the e-bike’s manufacturer.
NOTE: This manual is not intended as a comprehensive use, service, repair or
maintenance manual. Please see your authorized retailer for all service, repairs,
maintenance or questions about your e-bike, its battery or drive system.
Know the Risks
Like any activity, owning and using an electric bicycle with a lithium-ion battery
involves risk of injury and damage. By choosing to own and ride an e-bike
equipped with a lithium-ion battery, you assume the responsibility for that risk.
You need to know and practice the rules of safe use of the battery.
This Manual contains many “Warnings” and “Cautions” concerning the
consequences of failure to properly charge, use, maintain or inspect your battery
and of failure to follow safe practices.
• The combination of the safety alert symbol and the word WARNING
indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
serious injury or death.
• The combination of the safety alert symbol and the word CAUTION
indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury or is an alert against unsafe practices.
• The word CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol indicates a
situation which, if not avoided, could result in serious damage to the battery or
the voiding of your warranty.
What Is A Lithium-Ion Battery?
An e-bike battery consists of a series of Lithium-Ion cells designed to contain
electric energy. The charge and release of energy in the cells is managed and
controlled by internal circuitry. The cells and circuitry are contained in a housing
or shell, also known as a battery pack, which is designed to protect the cells and
internal circuitry and interface with a mounting mechanism on your e-bike.
Lithium-Ion batteries are powerful and store a tremendous amount of energy.
While they are generally designed with safety features to protect the battery and
the user, they must be handled with special care. When damaged, improperly
charged or misused, Lithium-Ion batteries are susceptible to an uncontrollable
energy release called thermal runaway, which can result in a sudden and severe
fire. Proper use, charging, discharging, care, maintenance, storage and
transportation are all critical to the long-term use of the battery and the safety of
the user and others.
WARNING: Batteries and chargers are designed to be safe and reliable
for their intended use. Failure to read and follow these instructions and use
your battery as intended by the manufacturer can result in thermal
runaway, resulting in a sudden and severe fire and serious personal injury
or death, as well as significant property damage.
Safety Must Always Be First
WARNING: Do not leave a battery unattended while charging,
especially overnight. If a battery fails while left to charge unattended, the
failure can get progressively worse, and can result in fire or explosion
resulting in serious personal injury, death, or property damage.
WARNING: Once the charge cycle is complete, immediately
disconnect the charger plug from the battery. Do not leave the battery
connected to the charger for an extended period of time after it is charged.
WARNING: NEVER open a Lithium-Ion battery pack or modify the
wiring or any electrical components of any product powered by a
Lithium-Ion battery. Opening the battery or modifying the wiring or
components can result in electric shock and can cause a fire leading to
serious personal injury, death, or property damage.
WARNING: NEVER loan your e-bike to another person or let
another person operate your e-bike or charge its battery unless they are
familiar with the instructions and warnings in this Manual and
competent to follow them. Allowing a person to charge a battery who
lacks the knowledge or ability to safely do so may result in electric
shock or fire, resulting in serious personal injury or death.
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Summary
ALWAYS: Purchase batteries certified by an accredited testing laboratory.
ALWAYS: Follow manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage.
ALWAYS: Use the correct battery, charger and cord.
ALWAYS: Plug directly into an electrical outlet for charging.
ALWAYS: Keep batteries and devices at room temperature.
ALWAYS: Store and charge batteries away from anything flammable.
ALWAYS: Keep batteries away from heat sources.
ALWAYS: Use proper methods for recycling old or damaged batteries.
NEVER: Use aftermarket or generic batteries or chargers.
NEVER: Plug into a power strip or overload an outlet.
NEVER: Overcharge or leave a battery charging overnight.
NEVER: Charge a battery or device on or close to any flammable material.
NEVER: Leave an e-bike or battery unattended while charging.
NEVER: Block your primary way in or out of a room or space.
NEVER: Place batteries in a trash or recycling bin.
Warning Signs For Lithium-Ion Batteries
The following is a list of signs of battery damage, which can result in
electric shock, short-circuit, fire and/or explosion:
• External battery casing damage (chips, cracks)
• Battery casing deformation (bulging)
• Battery casing or terminal discoloration
• Signs of corrosive (rust) damage from water entering the battery
• Plug connector damage or deformation
• Sounds, odors, smoke and/or flames emanating from the battery
• Battery fluid leak
WARNING: A battery should not exhibit any heat, flames, noises,
odors, smoke, swelling, leaks, discoloration, deformation or other
abnormalities. If a battery exhibits any of these symptoms and is failing
catastrophically:
1. Evacuate all people from the area immediately
2. Close the door and leave the building
3. Summon fire authorities (in the United States, call 911)
4. Do not try to extinguish the fire or move the battery or electric
bicycle outdoors unless it is safe to do so.
WARNING: If the battery is leaking, do not touch this liquid. Battery
liquid can cause irritation or burns. If there is contact with battery
liquid, rinse immediately with water. If the contact is with the eyes, seek
medical attention immediately after rinsing.
WARNING: If the battery is emitting any smoke or fumes, move to a
place with proper ventilation. Fumes can irritate the respiratory system.
If anyone is exposed to any smoke or fumes and experiencing negative
effects, seek medical attention.
WARNING: If your battery experiences a fault or error during use,
charge or discharge, immediately stop using or charging the battery,
check the manual provided by your manufacturer, and have the battery
inspected and if necessary, replaced by your authorized retailer.
Safe Battery Charging and Storage
WARNING: Carefully read, understand and follow all warnings and
manufacturer instructions for charging your battery. Failure to do so can
lead to an electrical shock or sudden and severe fire, resulting in serious
personal injury or death.
Before using your e-bike or charging your battery for the first time, read all the
instructions in this Manual and any product documentation included with your
e-bike. Turn the battery power on according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
This will help determine if the battery is charged, needs charging or is damaged.
Batteries are generally shipped from the manufacturer with a partial charge. It is
recommended to charge the battery to full capacity before your first use.
WARNING: Only use Original Equipment (OE) batteries and chargers
that are compatible with each other, and have been specified and
approved by the manufacturer for use with each other and with your
e-bike. Use of an unapproved or counterfeit battery or charger can result
in serious damage to the battery and/or components and can result in a
sudden and severe fire or explosion resulting in serious bodily injury or
death.
USING A GENERIC CHARGER
IS DANGEROUS
Make Sure Conditions Are Right For Charging:
• The battery and charger are compatible with each other and the e-bike.
• The battery is being charged during daylight hours and where it can be
observed in case of any indication of odor, smoke, fumes or fire.
• The charging area is protected from the elements, dry, well-ventilated, and
has a smoke detector. There must be clear egress from the area.
• A battery should not be charged in a bedroom or sleeping area.
• A charging battery cannot be left unattended and must be observed at all
times while charging.
• The battery is on a clean, dry and flat, non-flammable surface, preferably
metal, ceramic or glass.
• The battery and charger have no items covering or placed on top impeding
airflow around these components.
• The battery and charger are not exposed to flammable materials or an
open flame.
• The ambient temperature around the battery and charger is in the charging
temperature range specified by the manufacturer.
• The charger is plugged directly into an electrical outlet and the
rated voltage capacity from the outlet matches the charger.
ALWAYS PLUG THE CHARGER
INTO A WALL SOCKET
WARNING: Do not leave a battery unattended while charging,
especially overnight. Once the charge cycle is complete, immediately
disconnect the charger plug from the battery. Do not leave the battery
connected to the charger for an extended period of time after it has
reached full charge. If a battery fails while left to charge unattended, the
failure can get progressively worse, and can result in fire or explosion
resulting in serious personal injury, death, or property damage.
WARNING: Keep the battery and charger away from children and
animals. Unless supervised or instructed on proper/responsible use,
children or people who lack the necessary experience or understanding
to operate the battery and charger safely should not be left unattended
with the battery and charger. There is a significant risk of personal
injury and/or damage.
How To Charge Your Battery:
Follow the general order of operations for connecting the charger and
charging the battery as shown below or as recommended by your e-bike
manufacturer.
• Remove the charge port cover (if present).
• Connect the charger to the battery and the power outlet, in the order
specified by the manufacturer.
• Once charging begins, periodically refer to the indicator lights on the
charger and e-bike’s charge level display for power level information.
• Once the indicator lights indicate a full charge, immediately disconnect the
charger from the power outlet and the battery, in the order specified by the
manufacturer.
• Replace the charge port cover (if present).
• If the battery will not be used right away, store the battery as outlined
below.
Safe Battery Storage:
If the battery will be in storage for an extended period of time, it is
recommended the battery be stored with a partial charge, and the state of
charge should be checked periodically in accordance with the manufacturer’s
specifications. If the state of charge has dropped below the manufacturer’s
recommended range, charge it back to within the range. Please refer to the
manufacturer specifications for additional information.
CAUTION: A battery that is stored while functionally depleted, if left in that
state for an extended period of time, will naturally lose more power while
not being used, which can lead to a state of deep discharge and damage to
the battery.
Lithium-ion batteries should be stored indoors in a temperature and
climate-controlled environment whenever possible. If possible, remove the
battery from the e-bike (if possible). If the battery is not removable, store the
e-bike indoors. The storage area must be protected from the elements, dry,
well-ventilated, and have a smoke detector. Do not store a battery or e–bike in a
bedroom or block egress. The battery should be stored on a clean, dry and flat,
non-flammable surface, preferably metal, ceramic or glass. Do not cover the
battery or store it near flammable materials.
WARNING: Avoid exposing your e-bike to conditions that can result in
excessive heat or a short circuit. A short circuit may lead to a thermal
runaway, sudden and severe fire or explosion, resulting in serious
personal injury, death or property damage. Avoid these conditions:
• If possible, do not store your e-bike outdoors. Exposure to the
elements can quickly deteriorate the e-bike and its components.
• Do not store a battery in direct sunlight or in a hot car.
• Do not store your e-bike under a cover as this can trap moisture.
• Do not store a battery near a space heater or other heat sources.
• Do not leave a battery connected to the charger after charging or
while in storage.
Transporting Your E-bike and Battery
Lithium-Ion batteries are regulated by transportation authorities as “Dangerous
Goods” because of the inherent risk of a fire if they are damaged during transport.
Check your local laws for details about shipping batteries.
WARNING: Do not ship or transport a damaged battery or attempt to
circumvent laws regarding shipping of Lithium-Ion batteries. Improperly
shipping a battery may lead to a fire during the transportation process,
resulting in serious personal injury or death to transportation workers or
the public, and property damage for which you may be held responsible.
1. Transporting on public transit:
Familiarize yourself with any relevant rules regarding transporting your e-bike
on public transit, such as weight, battery restrictions and tire widths. Some public
transit options require that a space is booked; others specify off-peak hours or
the need to cover the e-bike.
2. Transporting on an airplane:
Check with your airline for any information about transporting a battery on
an airplane before traveling. The battery may need to be shipped separately by
a shipper who is trained and authorized to ship Dangerous Goods.
3. Shipping a battery:
Check your local laws for details about shipping and transporting an e-bike
battery. Many bicycle retailers are trained in the proper methods for shipping
e-bikes and batteries. Please consult your local retailer if you need to ship your
e-bike.
WARNING: Do not ship or transport a damaged battery or attempt to
circumvent laws regarding shipping of Lithium-Ion batteries. Failure to
follow this warning may lead to a fire during the transportation process,
resulting in serious personal injury or death to transportation workers or
the public, and damage to vehicles or transportation facilities for which you
may be held civilly and criminally responsible.
Replacing and Disposing of Your Battery
Lithium-Ion batteries do not last forever. Batteries have a lifespan which is
subject to use and conditions. Over time and with each charge and discharge
cycle, their capacity to store energy gradually decreases. Please refer to the
manufacturer’s battery specifications for information regarding the number of
charge/discharge cycles a battery is expected to provide. When a battery is worn
out it needs to be replaced and responsibly recycled.
WARNING: Only replace the battery with an original equipment (OE)
e-bike battery from your e-bike manufacturer. Do not attempt to have your
original battery “refurbished” or replace it with a reconditioned or an
unauthorized/third-party battery. Refurbished batteries may lack important
electrical safety features and use of a refurbished battery may lead to a fire
resulting in serious personal injury, death, and property damage.
ALWAYS REPLACE A BATTERY
WITH A NEW CERTIFIED BATTERY
RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER
WARNING: Do not dispose of an e-bike battery or any other
Lithium-Ion battery in your regular household trash or a public trash
receptacle. It may be illegal to do so. Batteries that enter the regular waste
stream can be damaged, leading to a fire resulting in serious personal
injury, death, property damage and environmental contamination.
Dispose of all batteries and chargers that have reached their end of life in an
environmentally conscious manner, in accordance with regulations in effect in
your country, state or region. Please contact your e-bike retailer or
manufacturer for additional information. In the United States Call2Recycle has
partnered with a network of manufacturers and retailers to offer a national
battery recycling program.
