We understand that the two-wheeler that you own is extremely precious to you. So, it’s evident that you probably wouldn’t want it to get even a tiny scratch. Unfortunately, major accidents do take place; for example, your favorite two-wheeler might catch fire one day. It can be a devastating experience for the owner. However, you can be free from these worries if you have an electric two-wheeler. We, a popular bike service provider, Apnamechanic, provide simple tips to prevent your bike from catching fire. Also, do not forget to renew your two-wheeler insurance to get covered in case any mishap does take place with your bike. In this blog, you will learn more about shielding your bike from catching fire and what causes it.
What makes your electric bike catch fire?
Several factors can trigger a fire on your electric bike; let’s discuss them one by one:
-
Your bike’s combustible liquid is highly flammable:
Nowadays, modern electric bikes and scooters consist of lithium-ion batteries. These batteries contain combustible fluids inside them and are considered highly effective due to their durability. However, these batteries have a higher chance of catching fire when they get overheated. Extreme heat triggers a spark and quickly ignites the fluid, leading to a serious breakdown of fire.
-
Excessive heat leads to explosions:
All fire incidents are usually caused by one common reason—overheating. Extreme heat is your bike’s biggest enemy. Overheating causes the battery to expand, which results in fires and explosions in your bike. Moreover, with too much heat, there is an increased possibility of sparks generating, which leads to even more fire.
-
Usage of faulty parts:
An electric bike is made of several spares and parts. When you buy an electric two-wheeler, the automobile company installs the best-quality parts into the vehicle, making sure the vehicle is long-lasting and safe from fire or other issues. However, when owners take their bikes to a local mechanic for repair or servicing, they sometimes use substandard parts to replace damaged ones. Low-quality parts cause malfunctions and fire breakouts in electric bikes.
How to prevent electric scooters or two-wheelers from catching fire?
-
Charge your electric bike correctly and in time:
Certain precautions should be taken when charging your electric two-wheeler to ensure maximum safety. For one, you should never overcharge your bike because doing so causes it to overheat and catch fire. Therefore, you must always use the charger that comes with the bike. Another important thing is to be careful about never leaving your electric bike charging overnight. Leaving your bike unattended while charging for an extended period is also not advisable. Also, try to avoid third-party charges as much as possible.
-
Regular inspection is mandatory:
Regular inspection is necessary to ensure your bike is in a healthy state. Inspection of electric two-wheeler includes checking the wiring, the battery as well as other spare parts and look for any signs of wear and tear. In case you observe any issues, minor or major, take to it a mechanic immediately. Also, avoid riding the bike if you notice faulty wires, loose connections, or damage to the battery.
-
Store your electric bike in a dry and cool place:
Storing your electric two-wheeler or scooter in the right place is essential. To avoid any potential fire incidents, make sure that your bike is correctly stored in a cool and dry place, away from any fire sources. Ensure your bike is not stored near any flammable materials like gasoline or fuel tanks.
-
Take a two-wheeler insurance plan:
Buying the right two-wheeler insurance plan is another crucial step in maintaining bike safety. While insurance policies do not mean that your bike will be safe from damage, they will definitely cover the costs if the two-wheeler is subjected to severe damage such as fire, theft, or accident. With a good insurance plan, at least you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you will be financially protected if any unfortunate incidents do happen.
-
Follow the proper guidelines given by the company:
As an electric bike owner, you must follow the company’s guidelines at all times. Always use the correct charging cable, maintain the recommended charging period, maintain speed limits, and do not cross the proper weight limitations.
Wrapping Up:
Electric bike fires are dangerous and can cause serious damage to the bike and its owner. Hence, taking safety measures is mandatory to ensure you are always protected from potential hazards. Follow these daily safety tips while riding an electric two-wheeler:
- Wear all safety gear while riding, including helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads.
- Obey traffic rules.
- Look for potholes in the road.
- Maintain a safe distance from pedestrians and other vehicles while riding.
- Do not ride your bike during extreme weather conditions such as heavy rainfall or snow to avoid slips.
- Make sure your bike has proper lighting and reflective gears for optimal visibility to other riders and pedestrians.