Cycling Trip Interrupted as E-Bike Battery Smokes,Prompting Fire Brigade Call
Ermelo,Netherlands – A cyclist,identified as Gea,experienced a frightening incident while returning home from the Sinterklaas festivity in Ermelo when the battery on her electric bicycle began to smoke.
Gea recounted being alerted by a couple who warned her about the issue. “I thanked the people kindly and removed the battery on my frame with the key. I innocently threw it in my bag and wanted to continue cycling,” she said. however, she quickly discovered this wasn’t possible as plumes of smoke emerged from the bag.
Unsure how to proceed, gea contacted her son, who is learned about bicycles, and was advised to call the fire brigade – not as an emergency. Following the operator’s instructions, she placed the battery in a bucket of water, where it is required to remain for 72 hours.
The incident has left Gea puzzled,as her bicycle is less than two years old and still under warranty. She stated she always uses the original charger and has never dropped or damaged the bike. “They had never seen this before,” Gea said of the bicycle shop in Ermelo, where she purchased the bike. She also noted she had been unable to turn on the display before her ride, suspecting the battery was low.
Gea shared her experiance to warn others about the potential dangers of batteries, even small ones. “We all know the danger of batteries, and even if this is a small battery, they can explode. So stay alert and call the fire brigade if in doubt.”
Gerard Holtkamp, fire service advisor for the Netherlands Fire Department, confirmed that batteries becoming unstable and burning during use is a common occurrence, affecting items like bicycles, scooters, and toys. He emphasized the importance of contacting the fire brigade, even via the non-emergency number (0900-0904) if unsure of the situation’s urgency.
Holtkamp explained that immersing the battery in water for 72 hours is an effective method for a fully charged battery to discharge and prevent further fire risk. He cautioned against using sand or a fire blanket, as the battery needs to “degas” and release smoke, which would permeate the sand. He also warned that batteries can react unpredictably, potentially erupting in flames and causing serious burns, highlighting the need for a risk assessment with the fire brigade operator. The fire brigade can also safely disconnect the battery from the bicycle if necessary before it is submerged.
This incident follows a separate event on a KLM flight from Sāo Paulo to Amsterdam, where a power bank caught fire.
