(BRAIN) — The National Bicycle Dealers Association and Human Powered Solutions are warning e-bike and e-scooter dealers in areas affected by Hurricane Ian to beware of battery packs compromised by water.
Lithium-ion batteries are damaged — compromising safety and stability — if partially or totally submerged, and the damage is more severe if in salt water. According to the NBDA and Human Powered Solutions, attempting to charge a compromised battery pack can lead to a fire that's difficult to control.
Retailers who might have battery packs affected by floodwaters should take them outside, place them away from the store and other flammable materials, and contact the local fire department.
The e-bike industry's recycling partner, Call2Recycle, is also available to help with handling damaged batteries. The NBDA's Compliancy Team can be reached at compliancyteam@nbda.com.
After making landfall in Southwest Florida as a Category 4 storm and continuing through the middle of the state, Hurricane Ian emerged in the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday and is expected to hit South Carolina as a Category 1 storm Friday.
