All about bicycles, electric-assisted bikes, technology and safety in the press

In our daily work as we deal with bicycle safety, technology and user manuals we come across lots of safety risks. The most frequent ones are published in articles of the leading German special-interest magazines TOUR – Europas Rennrad-Magazin Nr. 1, BIKE – Das Mountainbike Magazin Europas Nr. 1 and E-Bike – Das Pedelec-Magazin to make this information important for the sector accessible to a wider public.

For many years now the Eurobike Show Daily accompanying the annual international Eurobike Show has given us the opportunity to publish our perspective on major developments in the cycle industry in full-page articles.

We also speak regularly in independent lectures about all topics relating to bicycle technology and bicycle market. In addition, we are regularly cited by further special-interest magazines or trade journals as well as more and more by radio and television and in their media reports, which shows us that we are completely right with our information. The section NEWS informs you about the latest news from our specialist fields. The reports and publications of this section are listed chronologically or according to topics of interest.

e-bike 02/2013
Reading time 1:20 minutes

Where is the best place to store rechargeable batteries?

Reader’s question

Related to this subject you presented a special-purpose cabinet on page 57 of issue 1/13. Well, what I want to know is this: Are such cabinets on sale for domestic use? If so, please name a manufacturer. If not, I have a metal cabinet in my garage. Is it necessary to provide it with an additional fire-resisting lining? Are there any regulations as to ventilation?

Reply by Dirk Zedler, graduate engineer, bicycle expert

Li-ion batteries of state-of-the-art pedelecs have a high energy density and therefore bear a certain risk potential of spontaneous ignition. Therefore you should make it a rule to handle rechargeable batteries with care and to only use original chargers. Charge the battery only during the day and under supervision in well-aerated rooms at about 15 to 20°C and on an incombustible ground, e.g. ceramics or glass. This will avoid the highest risks. Special battery charging cabinets, like the battery safe from Thun used by us, are inspite of the costs recommended for manufacturers, dealers, hotels and other facilities accommodating pedelecs. Pedelec owners can purchase a special bag, i.e. the "battery bag" from the same manufacturer (www.thun.de/de/produkte/batterysafe) to be on the safe side. For private use there are no specific regulations. You can also use your available metal cabinet. Place the batteries on tiles or the like and remove flammable material from the cabinet, in particular aerosol cans, chain oil or rags. Whether or not a garage is a good place to store the battery depends on how cold it is in winter and on how hot it is in summer.

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