Table of contents
Tips for more safety in the home
Lithium-ion batteries are the heart of every e-bike. They enable long ranges, fast charging times and reliable performance. However, if stored incorrectly, they can pose a considerable risk. Improper storage can cause overheating, fires or even explosions.
In this article, you will learn how to store your e-bike battery safely, what risks there are and what protective measures are useful to avoid dangers.
Why the correct storage of e-bike batteries is so important
An e-bike battery pack consists of several lithium-ion cells, which can become unstable if handled incorrectly. This can have various causes:
- Mechanical damage due to falls or impacts
- Overheating due to direct sunlight or high ambient temperatures
- Moisture or wetness, which can lead to short circuits
- Overcharging or deep discharging, which impairs the service life of the battery and can trigger dangerous chemical reactions
An incorrectly stored battery can catch fire or, in the worst case, explode. It is therefore crucial to store e-bike batteries safely and take the right precautions.
The most important rules for safe battery storage
1. store in a cool and dry place
The best place to store an E-Bike battery is in a dry, cool room with a temperature between 10 and 20 °C. Direct sunlight or storage in overheated rooms such as a car or garage without ventilation should be avoided at all costs.
2. never store batteries unprotected
An e-bike battery should never be left lying around unprotected. It is best to store it in a heat-resistant, fireproof bag or box to ensure safe shielding in the event of a malfunction.
A small fire blanket can provide additional protection by containing a potential battery fire and preventing flames from spreading to other objects.
3. remove the battery if it will not be used for a long time
If the e-bike is not used for a longer period of time - for example in winter - the battery should be removed and stored in a safe place. A charge level of around 30-60% is ideal to avoid deep discharge.
4. do not store near flammable materials
The battery should never be stored near paper, textiles or other highly flammable materials. In the event of a defect, a fire could spread uncontrollably.
5. regularly check for damage
Every battery can show signs of wear over time. Check regularly for the following signs of a possible defect:
- Inflated or deformed housings
- Excessive heat generation during charging or storage
- Visible cracks or leaking liquids
If any of these points apply, the battery should no longer be used and should be disposed of properly.
How does a fire blanket protect against battery fires?
One of the safest ways to store e-bike batteries is to use a fire blanket. These special blankets have been developed to contain fires caused by batteries and protect the surrounding area.
What makes fire blankets so effective?
- Heat resistance up to 1,300 °C: While conventional Fire blankets are only suitable for temperatures up to 500 °C, fire blankets can withstand the extremely high temperatures generated by a battery fire.
- Prevents the spread of fire: If a battery catches fire, the cover ensures that the fire does not spread to furniture or other objects.
- Protects against smoke gases: Battery fires produce highly toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride. A fire blanket can help to contain the development of smoke.
Small fire blankets are ideal for private use as they are easy to handle and offer a flexible protective measure.
Charging e-bike batteries safely - what you should look out for
Storage is just one aspect of safety - there are also some important rules when charging e-bike batteries:
- Only charge with the original charger: Only use chargers recommended by the manufacturer to prevent damage to the battery.
- Charge only under supervision: A battery should never be charged unattended overnight or in your absence.
- Do not charge in closed rooms: If the battery overheats during the charging process, it should be possible to dissipate the resulting heat.
- fire blanket as a safety measure: When loading, a small fire blanket can be used as an additional protective layer to contain a fire in an emergency.
Conclusion: Safe handling of e-bike batteries through correct storage
The correct storage of e-bike batteries is crucial to prevent fires and other safety risks. Especially in private households, a small fire blanket can be an effective protective measure to prevent fires or contain them in the event of an emergency.
These measures will ensure that your battery is stored safely:
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Prevention of heat, moisture and mechanical damage
- Use of a fire blanket as a safety measure
- Regular check for visible damage or overheating
Storing your e-bike battery correctly not only protects your bike, but also your home from dangerous battery fires.
Learn more
Further information on the safe storage of lithium-ion batteries can be found in the DGUV Information 205-041which provides practical tips and official recommendations for handling rechargeable batteries.
For optimum protection of your batteries, it is worth using a fire blanketwhich has been specially developed for this type of fire.
