Lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes: tackling the safety risk with testing
By Emily Klein, Materials Engineer, Element Atlanta, Georgia
Across the world, lives are being lost, people injured, and property damaged, as a result of poorly designed and manufactured lithium-ion batteries in micro-mobility products such as e-bikes and e-scooters. In many countries, the lithium-ion batteries used in these products can go on sale with little or no formal safety testing. If we are to see a reduction in incidents, all lithium-ion batteries used in micro-mobility products should be certified by an accredited third-party laboratory before being released into the global market. Here is why.
Why are lithium-ion batteries used in micro-mobility products and what makes them dangerous?
Lithium-ion batteries have high energy density, no memory effect, good cycle life, and low self-discharge. If subjected to improper handling, physical abuse, or improper charging, poor-quality lithium-ion batteries have a higher risk of going into thermal runaway, resulting in high heat, fire, explosion, shrapnel, and the venting of noxious gases.
What difference would accredited testing to accepted battery regulations make?
The implementation of regulations for lithium-ion batteries used in micro-mobility devices would provide a minimum safety threshold for both the design and manufacture of products. Proper product development practices should include design verification testing to confirm that the design meets specifications, and production validation testing to prove that the factory is capable of mass-producing a compliant product. Both testing types are precursors to any regulatory testing.
Recommended by LinkedIn
Regulatory testing is a final check before the product enters the market and should be based on accepted product safety standards, whether international, national, or industry-specific, and carried out by an unbiased third-party laboratory accredited to the standards being applied. Once a product passes testing it is ready for regulatory certification.
With certification, the product is labeled with a discernable and verifiable regulatory mark. The certifying agency also conducts periodic onsite follow-up services at the manufacturer to validate that the product is still being manufactured to the same standard to which it was originally approved.
How can I keep myself safe before proper regulation is introduced?
Remember, there is no substitute for proper design, high-quality components, and controlled manufacturing in the quest to have quality products in the marketplace. In the case of lithium-ion batteries intended to power micro-mobility devices, this is particularly critical given the amount of stored energy and the increased probability of poor-quality cells experiencing thermal runaway, risking bodily injury and/or property damage.
Implementing regulations that mandate safety testing and certification by an accredited lab will help reduce the risks of poorly made micro-mobility products from disreputable sources entering the marketplace. Until then, consumers must be vigilant in ensuring that the products they purchase are of high-quality and from reputable suppliers.
Thank you for shedding light on such an important issue, Emily! 🌟 As Albert Einstein once said, "Concern for man and his fate must always form the chief interest of all technical endeavors." Let's prioritize safety and innovation together to keep our communities safe. 🛴💡Remember, informed choices and rigorous testing are the keys to safer micro-mobility. 🚴♂️ #SafetyFirst
#InOurElement #MakingTomorrowSaferThanToday #ElectricalSafety