As electric bikes (e-bikes) become increasingly popular, it’s crucial for users to understand the safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe riding experience. At Cadence Performance, we prioritise the safety of our customers and the quality of the bikes we offer. In this blog, we’ll address the recent concerns about electric bike safety and explain why Giant and Liv e-bikes stand out as reliable and safe choices.
Understanding the safety concerns
Recently, there have been alarming reports about e-bike fires, primarily caused by poor-quality conversion kits and improperly maintained charging equipment. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) says ‘E-bike and e-scooters are London’s fastest-growing fire trend.” Their statistics underscore the importance of purchasing e-bikes and accessories from reputable sources and following proper maintenance protocols.
“Whilst e-bikes and e-scooters offer a great way round the city if the batteries become damaged or begin to fail, they can start incredibly ferocious fires. In 2023, the London Fire Brigade attended 143 e-bike fires along with 36 blazes involving e-scooters. Many of these fires are caused by incompatible chargers, modifications to e-bikes, or faulty or counterfeit products which are purchased online. This includes chargers, lithium batteries and conversion kits for e-bikes.” (LFB Report https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/lithium-batteries/the-dangers-of-electric-scooter-and-electric-bicycle-batteries/).
E-bike battery safety: your top concern, our top priority
When it comes to e-bikes, battery safety is a top concern for many riders and at Cadence Performance and Giant, we take that concern seriously. We understand that your peace of mind is crucial every time you charge up and hit the road. That’s why our e-bikes come equipped with industry-leading safety features designed to protect you and your investment.
Advanced thermal management
One of the key features of Giant’s e-bike batteries is the advanced Battery Management System (BMS). This sophisticated system continuously monitors and regulates the internal temperature of each cell. By automatically adjusting the charging rates, the BMS prevents overheating, a common cause of battery degradation. Unlike generic batteries, the system ensures optimal performance and longevity, so you can charge and ride with confidence.
Multi-layered protection that goes beyond temperature control
Safety isn’t just about managing temperature. Giant’s batteries are designed with multiple electronic safeguards to protect against overcharging, power surges, and overheating. The internal casings are made from a honeycomb fire-retardant plastic, which is engineered to melt around the cell in the event of a fire, significantly reducing the risk of thermal runaway and heat propagation. This multi-layered approach to protection ensures that your battery is as safe as it is efficient.
Withstand the unexpected
All Giant e-bike batteries are encased in robust materials designed to withstand impacts. They can survive drops of at least one meter onto concrete from any angle. For even greater protection, select models come with metal casings that can endure up to a one-tonne force. This durability ensures that your e-bike can handle whatever life throws at it, and if an accident happens, your battery won’t be compromised.
Unparalleled waterproofing: ready for any weather
Weather can be unpredictable, but your e-bike battery is prepared. Each battery features a waterproof casing and an internal waterproof sleeve, protecting the cells and the BMS from moisture. This is not just a convenience; it’s a crucial safety feature that ensures reliable performance in all conditions.
Giant’s advantage: Lithium Cobalt Manganese for peak performance
While most e-bikes rely on Lithium-Ion batteries, there’s a world of variation within this technology that can significantly impact performance. There are six distinct types of Lithium-Ion batteries, each with unique characteristics and price points. Some are optimised for high energy density and long lifespan, while others are more cost-effective. However, longer-lasting, higher-density cells typically come at a premium.
Giant, Liv, and Momentum e-bikes are all equipped with Lithium Cobalt Manganese batteries. This choice offers a perfect balance of extended battery lifespan and high energy density, ensuring that our batteries deliver impressive power while maintaining sleek aesthetics and compact size.
Batteries built to last
Whether you’re commuting to work or exploring new trails, you can ride confidently, knowing your battery is protected by the best technology available. Battery lifespan is a significant concern for e-bike buyers, especially when considering the potential cost of replacements. Some brands offer batteries that last as few as 350 charge cycles, which might not be ideal for frequent riders or those planning to keep their e-bike for several years.
At Cadence Performance and Giant, we prioritise your investment by offering e-bike batteries with an impressive lifespan of up to 2,300 full-charge cycles. That’s at least double the lifespan of many competitors! This means you can charge your battery from 0% to 100% a remarkable 2,300 times. Even partial charges add up, allowing for 4,600 charges at 50% capacity. With such a long lifespan, the need to replace your battery during the life of your e-bike is virtually eliminated. This translates to significant savings and peace of mind, knowing that your e-bike is built to last.
Environmentally friendly e-bike batteries
Our commitment extends beyond just user benefits; we are also dedicated to environmental responsibility. Giant’s longer-lasting batteries require fewer chemical resources over time. Plus, through our partnership with specialist recyclers, we ensure that as much of your battery as possible is responsibly reused or recycled, far exceeding what local councils can achieve, and returning your battery for recycling is easy and free at any Giant stockist.
Key safety protocols for e-bike users
To further enhance the safety of your e-bike experience, here are some useful safety protocols to follow:
- Use manufacturer-approved accessories: Always use batteries and chargers that are compatible with your e-bike and approved by the manufacturer.
- Insurance and safety controls: Check with your insurer to ensure your e-bike is covered and determine if any additional safety controls are needed.
- Regulated conversion kits: If using a conversion kit, ensure it complies with UK safety standards and is installed by a professional.
- Safe storage and charging: Store e-bikes in a safe location and regularly test charging cables to prevent electrical hazards.
- Risk assessments: Regularly check for any fire risks that might come from charging e-bikes or storing their batteries. Make sure to include these risks in the overall safety plan for your home.
Keeping our e-bike customers safe
At Cadence Performance, we believe in providing our customers with not only the best bikes but also the knowledge to use them safely. Giant and Liv e-bikes are engineered with safety and quality in mind, making them a dependable choice for riders. By following the recommended safety protocols and relying on professional maintenance, you can enjoy the benefits of e-biking with peace of mind.
You can read more about this subject at Cycling Electric: https://www.cyclingelectric.com/news/giant-group-e-bike-battery-safety-innovation
And here: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/battery-technology
For any questions or further information on e-bike safety, feel free to contact us. Stay safe and happy riding!
About Cadence Performance
At Cadence Performance, our highly trained teams can offer you support in lots of ways. You can contact us in-store at the addresses below, or check out our website to find out more about our services.
You can read the full London Fire Brigade report here: https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/lithium-batteries/the-dangers-of-electric-scooter-and-electric-bicycle-batteries/
Cadence Performance is on your local high street
- Cadence|Giant Crystal Palace, 2a Anerley Hill, London SE19 2AA
- Cadence|Giant Paddock Wood, 62-62a Maidstone Rd, Paddock Wood, TN12 6AF
- Cadence|Giant Shoreham, Little High St, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5JF
- Cadence|Giant St Paul’s, 200 Aldersgate St, London EC1A 4HD
- Cadence|Giant St Albans, N Orbital Rd, St Albans AL2 1DL
- Cadence|Giant Twickenham, 111 Heath Rd, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham TW1 4AF
