Jefferson Reporter

Electric bicycles and electric scooters were a popular Christmas gift this year, and you may have received one.

Do not keep charging e-scooter batteries after they are fully charged.

E-bikes and e-scooters are an environmentally friendly way to get around. However, unknown to many riders, damaged or defective lithium-ion batteries that power many e-bikes and e-scooters can overheat, catch fire or explode. When they do, they burn extremely hot and give off toxic gases.

Here are some tips to stay safe while using an e-bike or e-scooter.

• Always follow the instructions from the manufacturer, especially when installing or charging a battery.
• Only use the battery and charger that came with your device.
• Only use batteries and charging equipment listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly.
• Do not keep charging the battery after it’s fully charged.
• Only charge one battery at a time to prevent overloading the circuit.
• Keep batteries at room temperature. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32°F or above 105°F.
• Do not store batteries in direct sunlight or inside hot vehicles.
• Keep batteries away from children and liquids.
• Store your e-bike or e-scooter away from exits and anything that can get hot or catch fire like window coverings.
• Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycle them.

If you notice an unusual odor, excessive heat, change in color or shape, leaking or smoking coming from a battery, or if the battery will not keep a charge, stop using the e-bike or e-scooter. For more safety tips, visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website.

Safety Reminder: UA Alert System Test

Weather permitting, the University will test its emergency notification systems, including UA Alerts, the public address system and digital signage, Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 11:55 a.m.

Original source can be found here.