Electric bicycles can trace their history back to 1895, when an inventor by the name of A.B.E. Johnson acquired a patent when he invented a bicycle equipped with a small electric motor and a lead-acid battery. However, battery technology at that time was still at its infancy, and the invention was too impractical for widespread use and adoption. 

The lead batteries were also heavy, making the bicycle cumbersome to operate, and the electric motors were unable to produce sufficient power for the comfortable operation of the bike.

However, a new battery technology in the 1990s which featured the use of lithium changed the e-bike market almost overnight, providing a more compact source of power, making bike designs more efficient. The start of the 2000s saw a rise in the popularity of e-bikes, particularly in Europe and Asia where there was a need for sustainable transportation solutions given the sizes of the cities as well as rise in pollution thanks to diesel vehicles.

Today, e-bikes are ubiquitous in both design and utility, with an increase being seen particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic which prioritized the need for social distancing 

Do E-Bikes Have Safety Features?

E-bikes usually come fitted with safety features meant to protect both the rider and other road users. For starters, e-bikes usually feature enhanced visibility where they have integrated rear and front lights as well as standard reflectors which are usually found on the bike’s wheels, frame and pedals. Some models also come fitted with brake lights which light up should the rider slow down, alerting other road users. 

E-bikes also feature complex braking systems which are usually standard disc brakes that are more advanced when compared to your regular rim brakes. These types of breaks also keep working even in wet or muddy conditions, providing an extra layer of safety in all environments. Hydraulic disc brakes are particularly preferred for e-bikes owing to their more superior stopping power as well as offering more control to the user.

Advanced safety features such as an integrated GPS system help with navigation and avoiding areas with heavy traffic, and the inclusion of regenerative braking technology which converts the kinetic energy produced during breaking into energy used to recharge the battery has made these vehicles a hit across the country. 

Why and How Do E-Bikes Suddenly Catch on Fire?

Despite all these amazing features, a dark cloud still hangs over the e-bike world given the concerning reports of thousands of them spontaneously exploding and catching fire. Injuring the rider and other nearby individuals as well as their personal property. 

The explosion associated with e-bikes can be traced back to the lithium-ion batteries used which have come under fire for their propensity to overheat due to a number of reasons we’ll take a look at shortly. 

Lithium-ion batteries are favored over other power sources due to their ability to pack a punch with regard to energy storage considering their small, compact size. This makes it possible for riders to operate their e-bikes for much longer distances. 

That said, these batteries are prone to fires or malfunction due to the following reasons:

Manufacturing Defects

These batteries, due to their mass market manufacturing, are filled with internal short circuit issues due to the quality of materials used. The rising demand for these batteries has meant that manufacturers are cutting corners in order to boost their profits, using substandard materials in the process.

In addition, the vast number of batteries being used has meant that assembly personnel are not paying attention to the proper manner in which these batteries are being put together, increasing the risk of malfunction. Lastly, lithium-ion batteries that are being produced en masse are not subject to rigorous testing, passing on the risk to consumers who bear the brunt of this lack of performance testing.

E-Bike Charging Issues 

E-bike manufacturers have also been blamed for the charging issues that befall these vehicles due to a number of reasons. That said, it is important to note that the onus lies on manufacturers to provide consumers with safe products, and that failure to do so places the liability on them, with the possibility or e-bike users bringing forth a product liability claim meant to recover compensation for their damages. For instance, these bikes often come with faulty charging systems which lack a safe battery management system that is originally designed to prevent overcharging.

Thermal runway is a condition which refers to the generation of heat within a battery that is higher than the rate at which said battery can dissipate the heat, which eventually leads to combustion. In addition, most e-bikes simply lack clear instructions or guidelines on how to safely charge the vehicles. The manuals that come with the bikes are often said to be misleading or vague, which increases the likelihood for improper charging. 

E-Bike Charging Station Liability 

Charging station owners may also share liability when it comes to e-bike battery fires due to a number of reasons, with the first one being the failure to uphold safety standards within their facilities. This can occur due to the failure to comply with local and national regulations with regard to electrical installations and the safety standards related to the same.

Improper grounding or faulty wiring may lead to a situation where the batteries take on too much power, resulting in their explosion. In addition, if these charging stations are not regularly inspected or maintained, issues with equipment may not be caught in a timely manner may lead to fires. Damaged or outdated chargers must be maintained and replaced regularly to prevent these hazards.

Lastly, users should be provided with clear guidelines on how to use these facilities such as how to properly connect and disconnect batteries, and there should be clear warnings on the dangers of leaving batteries unattended while charging. 

E-Bike Suppliers and Retailers May Share Liability for Fires and Injury

E-bike suppliers and retailers are also not left off the hook as they owe you, the e-bike operator a duty of care when it comes to ensuring that their products are safe for use. For starters, these outlets must carefully vet their products prior to their importation, and this can include assessing the manufacturer safety records as well as avoiding manufacturers that are known for issuing recalls due to safety issues.

In addition, sales staff must be equipped with an abundance of information on the known risks as well as safety features and proper usage, maintenance and charging practices associated with these vehicles in order to educate potential buyers so they can be informed on how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. 

Injuries Associated With E-Bike Battery Malfunction 

E-bike battery malfunction may lead to explosions and fires which can cause first, second and third-degree burns which can result in long-term physical and psychological effects as well as the need for extensive surgery and rehabilitation.

Should the individual get caught in a home that goes up in flames due to an e-bike fire, the smoke from the fire is often toxic and can its inhalation may lead to lung damages, respiratory complications and even death if medical assistance is delayed. The explosions, should they occur at close range may lead to concussions, fractures and internal injuries, and the shrapnel from the exploding battery may lead to puncture wounds and lacerations requiring immediate medical attention, lastly, battery malfunction has the potential to lead to electrical shock which may cause nerve damage and even cardiac issues if the shock is of high voltage, requiring medical intervention and long-term observation for heart-related conditions. 

Best E-Bike Fire and Injuries Attorneys – Call Us Now! 

If you were injured by an exploding e-bike battery, you may be able to recover compensation by holding multiple parties legally accountable via a personal injury claim. In addition, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit based off either strict liability or negligence claim depending on the circumstances. Lastly, an insurance claim may be filed to cover the cost of medical treatment as well as reimburse another party if your e-bike led to them sustaining injuries.

There is so much we haven’t talked about when it comes to compensation due to e-bike battery fires and explosions, and it’s because of this that we would like to invite you to give us a call NOW at (314) 481-63338 to learn more about your legal options for justice and compensation. Remember, the call is 100% FREE, and there is no legal obligation. Thanks for choosing McCready Law, and we look forward to helping you.