Owners of e-bikes are making serious mistakes when using e-bike battery chargers. This can lead to a number of problems from poor bike performance, fused battery and even battery fire.
- Always use the charger supplied with the bike and read the instruction booklet that comes with the charger.
Plug In a “Dead Lead”
- Always plug in a “Dead Lead”. The correct process is first to plug the charger into the battery, secondly, plug in the mains plug. Finally, when all is secure, switch the mains ON.
If the mains are switched ON before you plug the charger into the battery, the live battery plug can short out the battery if the contacts touch the wrong part of the battery charging port. This can cause a spark and short out the battery, so that it needs repairing before it will charge.
Check the Charger and Battery Voltages
- We know that many people are using the wrong charger -especially people who purchase second-hand e-bikes. It is important that you know the voltage of your battery. The battery label will tell you the voltage. If it does not, you must get an electrician to tell you the voltage coming out of the battery. A charger of the compatible voltage must be used to ensure the battery is not overcharged or undercharged. Undercharging means that the battery will not be fully charged and the power and range of the bike will be reduced. Overcharging means that the charger may not stop charging when the battery is fully charged. This can lead to overheating and in the very worst case, fire.
- There are 3 popular e-bike battery voltages. 24V, 36V & 48V. These are known as the nominal voltages. Fully charged, these batteries reach a higher voltage – 29V. 42V & 54V. The correct charger for 24V is 29V, 36V – 42V and 48V – 54V. These figures may be printed on the label so that you can ensure that you are using the correct charger.
Check the Charger Capacity
- There are also different capacity chargers. Some deliver 2Ah and others 3Ah. Find out what is recommended for your particular battery. As a rule of thumb, 2Ah chargers are suitable for batteries up to 12Ah. 3Ah chargers are recommended for larger batteries of about 16Ah. Unless recommended the larger charger should not be used on smaller batteries as it puts them under strain. 3Ah chargers have to power to charge larger batteries and reduce charging times.
Safety First
- The higher the voltage and amperage the greater the store of power in the battery which needs to be controlled and used safely. An electric bike battery has a huge store of power which needs to be under control at all times. If the battery gets very hot while charging, distorts, hisses or smells, switch the charger OFF, unplug the mains and move the battery outside. It may be a sign of one or more faulty cells in the battery. Faulty cells may cause Thermal runaway which leads to Explosive battery fires
Never leave a charger switched ON over night. Switch the charger OFF when charging is complete
- For further information go to UK Government recommendations
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