Safe storage of e-bike batteries

E-bike with battery E-bikes and pedelecs account for a growing proportion of the bicycles sold and therefore more and more households are faced with the question of how to store and charge e-bike batteries safely, with a focus on adequate fire protection. In addition to the numerous advantages of lithium-ion batteries over the previously common NiCd and lead gel batteries, these new battery types also pose a number of dangers that require appropriate storage. The possible consequences of storing e-bike batteries incorrectly range from loss of performance to fire and explosion. The following sections cover the most important topics relating to the safe storage of E-bike batteries:

Storage for regular use of the e-bike

Battery fire extinguisher If you use your pedelec or e-bike on a daily basis, the battery often remains on the bike the entire time, so that the battery is also charged there between uses of the e-bike. It is then difficult to ensure completely safe storage of the battery, because if problems occur when the battery is mounted on the bike, adequate fire protection is usually not provided and cannot be achieved with suitable storage containers. Irrespective of safe storage, you should at least have a suitable battery fire extinguisher to hand for emergencies, which can be used for initial measures if a bicycle battery heats up unusually strongly and the battery could pose a danger.

Battery storage when charging away from the e-bike

Fireproof battery cover for e-bike batteries Many e-bike owners do not store the batteries on the bike when not in use, but separately, e.g. because there is no socket available to charge them where the e-bike is parked or to protect the battery from theft. It is not uncommon for the e-bike battery to be stored and charged indoors - fire protection is absolutely essential in such situations. If the increasingly powerful bike batteries are stored unprotected in the house or garage, this can even affect the insurance cover. Suitable storage options should therefore be used that offer sufficient security in the event of problems and are also practical enough for everyday use, for example for charging. Fireproof battery bags, for example, have been specially developed for this purpose, which enable the safe storage and charging of e-bike batteries and at the same time offer fire protection thanks to their fireproof fabric. Suitable models for different bike batteries, such as rack batteries, frame batteries or power tube batteries, are available.

What offers the best fire protection for e-bike batteries?

If you want to store the battery of your pedelec or e-bike separately rather than mounted on the bike, you will soon be faced with the question of whether a bag or a box is the better choice and which solution offers better fire protection. As is so often the case, there is no general answer to this question, as both fireproof battery bags and special storage boxes have advantages and disadvantages. These two storage options differ in terms of practicality on the one hand and fire protection on the other - so it is best to make this decision based on your personal situation.

Fireproof bags - flexible, but only suitable for one bike battery

Bags for e-bike batteries offer a great deal of handling flexibility and good basic fire protection and are generally slightly cheaper than battery boxes. E-bike batteries can also be charged directly, which many owners of pedelecs and electric bikes appreciate.

Fire protection when charging the battery

The charger cables can simply be fed through the closure of the bag, allowing the battery to be stored safely in the battery bag during the charging process. At the same time, the bags are made of fireproof fabric, so that a potential battery fire is automatically contained by this material and appropriate fire protection is provided. However, if you want to store more than one bike battery, you will need additional bags, as most models are designed for one battery.

Bag should match the e-bike battery

The same can apply to battery types: If you change your e-bike and want to store a frame battery instead of a rack battery, for example, you may have to get a new, fireproof bag because the dimensions of the new bike battery no longer fit in the old bag. Another disadvantage can be the lack of impact protection: The fireproof fabric of the bags does not protect the battery from impacts if, for example, you are transporting it or the battery falls down in the bag. Conclusion: Battery bags offer good fire protection for e-bikes and you can also charge the batteries in them. At the same time, however, they are often only designed for one battery and are suitable for a special e-bike battery, for example.

Suitable bags for bike batteries from popular manufacturers such as Bosch, Shimano, LG and many more.

The fireproof battery bags for e-bike batteries are suitable for the bicycle batteries of common manufacturers and offer good basic fire protection - such as Bosch frame batteries (e.g. Bosch PowerTube, Bosch PowerPack, Bosch Dualbattery), batteries from Yamaha, Shimano, Panasonic, Brose, Samung, LG, Continental and many more.

Boxes for bike batteries - good fire protection even for multiple batteries

2210_LG-XS-Box-advanced-iso-open-removebg-previeweBtRMhqE2Rr9H The various storage boxes for batteries are generally made up of two components: On the one hand, a housing made of steel, aluminum or plastic and inside this housing, extinguishing granulate cushions (e.g. filled with pyrobubbles) provide fire protection. The e-bike batteries are stored inside these cushions. If a battery catches fire inside the fireproof box, the extinguishing granulate melts and encapsulates the battery in such a way that the fire is contained.

Depending on the size, two or more batteries can be stored

This type of fire protection for battery storage is very efficient and even allows several batteries to be stored in one box. The storage containers can also generally be used for different types of batteries (rack batteries, frame batteries, power tubes / integrated batteries) from common manufacturers (Bosch, LG, Samsung, Continental, Shimano, etc.) as long as the dimensions fit. Conclusion: By using extinguishing agents such as Pyrobubbles, the boxes for e-bike batteries offer reliable fire protection, even for multiple batteries. However, they are generally somewhat more expensive to purchase.

Good protection against impacts and external influences

The storage boxes also offer mechanical protection against impacts, as the granulate cushions strongly absorb external influences. In contrast to the fireproof battery bags, the bicycle batteries can currently only be charged directly in a few boxes and their price is slightly higher than that of a single bag - however, this price difference levels out at the latest if you want to store two batteries and would then need two bags, because both e-bike batteries can be stored in one box.

Boxes for bike batteries that can also be charged

The Raclan Box and the Genius BSK-1 fire protection case are two brand new battery boxes on the market which, in addition to safe storage, also allow e-bike batteries to be charged, making them particularly convenient and safe. The Raclan Box also has an integrated extinguishing system. If the system registers a rise in temperature or smoke gas, it immediately emits a visual and acoustic alarm. At the same time, the extinguishing system sprays an environmentally friendly extinguishing and cooling agent over the e-bike batteries in the event of an alarm, thereby stopping the fire. The resulting smoke/gas mixture is filtered and fed into the exhaust management system so that no toxic substances can escape. Accordingly, the Raclan box offers maximum protection, although this is also reflected in a higher price. The Genius BSK-1 fire protection case is offered without an active extinguishing system, but also has a variety of safety mechanisms for storing and charging batteries safely thanks to the non-flammable inner housing, special explosion protection and the PyroBubbles® filling pad supplied.

Storing e-bike batteries in the home

Not everyone has a garage, cellar or other room where you can store the e-bike battery when it is not mounted on the e-bike or pedelec. Be it to charge the battery, to protect it from theft or, for example, to provide the battery with optimum environmental conditions during the winter months - there are many reasons why you might want to store an e-bike battery in your home. At the same time, there are various things to bear in mind, as problems with the battery can quickly have serious consequences, especially in the home. If there is a fire or even an explosion within your own four walls, this not only results in costly damage to property, but health risks should also not be ignored.

Safe storage of e-bike batteries in suitable bags or boxes

If batteries are to be stored inside a home, you should exercise particular caution here and always try to take all necessary and advisable measures to minimize the risk of dangerous consequences even in the event of problems with the battery. Both the storage location and the storage container are crucial: E-bike batteries should only ever be stored in suitable containers, so-called battery boxes or battery bags. These provide protection for the surrounding area and can often prevent worse things from happening in the event of a battery fire by preventing the fire from spreading. Battery bags are made from fireproof fabric, while battery boxes are usually a combination of a robust box, in which, for example, Pyrobubbles or Cirrux cushions are integrated, in which the e-bike batteries are then stored. For longer storage, battery boxes are preferable to bags due to the increased level of safety.

Have fire extinguishers or fire blankets ready for emergencies

If there is a battery fire inside the home, professional help from the fire department must be called in any case - this is always the first measure in the event of a battery fire. At the same time, quick countermeasures can often reduce the damage. Special battery fire extinguishers and extinguishing blankets for Li-ion batteries can also be used for e-bike batteries to bridge the time until the fire department arrives and initiate initial extinguishing measures. You can find details on extinguishing e-bike batteries here.

Never store defective e-bike batteries in the home

As you can see from the above, even apparently intact e-bike batteries always pose an inherent danger, against which appropriate safety measures should be taken. The danger is even greater with defective batteries: these should never be stored inside a home under any circumstances, as the risk of a battery fire or thermal runway is significantly higher and no one should expose themselves to this risk. If an e-bike battery is defective - regardless of whether it can no longer be charged, has mechanical damage (e.g. due to a fall) or causes other problems - it must be disposed of immediately by a specialist company.

Insurance cover for the storage of e-bike batteries in homes

If an e-bike battery stored in the home causes a fire, the question of insurance cover and which insurance company will pay for the damage caused quickly arises. As a rule, household contents insurance (for damage to your own household contents), residential building insurance (for damage to the property/flat) or liability insurance will then apply if third-party property is damaged. Even if, for example, a tenant causes a fire with an e-bike battery, the landlord's homeowners' insurance usually covers the damage first, but the landlord takes recourse against the tenant or the tenant's liability insurance. Care must be taken to ensure that there was no gross negligence during storage or charging. It is always best to check with your insurance company before storing an e-bike battery in your home - on the one hand, what requirements they have for storage and, on the other, what damage is covered by the insurance.

Storing bike batteries in winter

In winter, e-bikes are often not used for a long period of time, meaning that the battery can be stored for months. This makes it all the more important to store it correctly so that the battery is not damaged during the winter months and you can get going again in the spring. If you pay attention to a few things when storing your bike battery in winter and create the right conditions, you will be well prepared for the next cycling season and at the same time minimize the risk posed by the e-bike battery.

Store the battery separately from the e-bike

If the pedelec or e-bike is stored in the garage over the winter months or is not used, the battery should be removed if possible. This gives you more flexibility, avoids unintentional discharging and protects the e-bike's electronics.

Store the bike battery in a dry place and at a temperature between 0 and 20°C

After the last use in the fall, it is best to clean the battery - if necessary - so that it can be stored clean and dry for the winter. The ideal storage location for the e-bike battery protects it from moisture and offers a temperature between 0° C and 20°C. For example, a frost-protected garage or a suitably dry cellar are ideal for winter storage of the e-bike battery, but it could also be an insulated garden shed.

Ensure the correct charge level of the e-bike battery

When storing the battery in winter, it should not be completely discharged, nor should it be recharged beforehand. The optimum charge level for the e-bike battery is in the range of 30 to 60%, which can be read on many models via a corresponding display. With high-quality chargers, you can also read off the charge level of the battery or check it again and, if in doubt, restore the optimum charge level.

Store in a fireproof battery box

An unattended lithium-ion battery always harbors a certain risk potential. Even if you follow all the tips mentioned above, problems can occur during storage and the battery may become defective, catch fire or, in the worst case, explode. Although the case of a stored battery becoming a source of fire or exploding "just like that" is extremely rare, there is still a residual risk. It is therefore advisable to store the battery in a suitable and fireproof battery box over the winter months. These not only protect the surroundings from the dangers, but also generally ensure that the storage conditions for the e-bike battery are optimized.