A look at a (largely avoidable) E-bike danger, after-the-jump ….
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Last week, there was a Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) public hearing, that showcased the phenomenon of industry representatives asking for federal regulations (contrary to right-wing politicos warning of ‘bone-crushing’ regulations!) Yet it happens more than one may think.
As someone who anticipates retiring in a few years (and reducing automobile usage), an e-bike is one possible future purchase. This is an emerging industry with some recent growing pains: a Florida-based firm Bolt Mobility (founded by Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt) folded last year. And just last month, possibly the premier manufacturer in the world (VanMoof of the Netherlands, which was dubbed the “Tesla of e-bikes”) with retail prices upwards of $2,000 US … declared bankruptcy ... with high maintenance costs, proprietary parts and the need to use an app listed as some of the causes. (There is now a bid to purchase the company).
Another area of concern (and which will be the focus of this edition of Top Comments) are burning or exploding lithium-ion batteries (almost reminiscent of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phone affair from 2017).
The epicenter of this problem with e-bikes is New York City— as delivery crews and couriers find them invaluable in such a congested region, in addition to everyday citizens. In 2022, there were a reported 200 fires reported, with 2023 on pace to exceed that total. The New York City Council has passed an ordinance (set to go into effect next month) to reduce such risks, and that at NYC public housing, the city will install safe e-bike chargers and storage facilities.
Yet this is, of course, a nationwide problem. From 2021 to 2022, the CPSC noted the deaths of 19 people from overheated batteries. High-density batteries (if manufactured or used improperly) can short-circuit, leading to either fires or even explosions. And over-charging an already fully-charged battery is an invitation to disaster.
Michael Pecht, a mechanical engineering professor at the University of Maryland, attributes part of the problem to there being “very good” manufacturers … and “very, very bad” ones. The other issue is consumers seeking inexpensive models and not following instructions. Before we come to the issue before the CPSC, here are some of the near-universal recommendations for end-users:
→ Buy only from a reputable dealer (“You get what you pay for”)
→ Ensure that the bike is certified by Underwriters Laboratories (the old UL label)
→ Actually read the manual that accompanies the purchased item
→ Use only the battery charger that came with the item (or from a reputable dealer)
→ Re-charge only in a ventilated area away from flammable items, where there is a clear exit
→ The most repeated recommendation: do not re-charge overnight, actively watch the process (to avoid over-charging)
→ And if the battery starts to fail: simply re-cycle and purchase anew
At last week’s four hour-long CPSC hearing presided by commissioner Richard Trumka Jr. (son of the former head of the AFL-CIO), both bike manufacturers and retailers called for regulations on the “level playing field” basis. Most dangerous fires (not directly attributable to misuse) come from low-cost e-bikes and rebuilt batteries, which do not meet the standards laid-out in Underwriters Laboratories Standard UL-2849 specifically for this product.
A key factor is the $800 de-minimus threshold — imported items below that amount enter not only duty-free, but also not inspected. Efforts to change this amount have run into opposition from conservatives before … yet with many of these products coming from (as 45 would say), “Chyy-na” — they may re-consider staying with the Chamber of Commerce party line.
Feel free to add your comments about today’s arraignment.
Let’s close with the Georgian-British singer Katie Melua (who did a nice cover of the 1964 John Mayall musically-autobiographical song Crawling Up a Hill), some forty years later.
Now, on to Top Comments:
From JamieG from Md:
In the front-page story listing the essentials about Jack Smith’s indictment— this comment made by Cali58.
Highlighted by raboof:
In the front-page story about a political candidate running against, well, witchcraft— this comment, made by Gaelsdottir.
Highlighted by indyada:
In today’s Abbreviated Pundit Roundup (hosted by my colleagueChitown Kev) — this comment made by darthstar.
And from Ed Tracey, your faithful correspondent this evening ........
In one of today’s front-page stories about The Arraignment — CalifTom1 points out a coalition of former defense secretaries who stood-up at a critical moment. My fear is… they won’t make a difference … if there is a second-time-around.
Next - enjoy jotter's wonderful (and now eternal) *PictureQuilt™* below. Just click on the picture and it will magically take you to the comment featuring that photo.
TOP PHOTOSAugust 2nd, 2023
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And lastly: yesterday's Top Mojo - mega-mojo to the intrepid mik ...... who rescued this feature from oblivion:
10) It should also be noted that any Repub … by TexasTom +9519) Who was on Eastman’s phone? … by polecat +7625) Sen. Mike Lee was in before he was out? … by polecat +6727) Good. People need to know. by Vetwife +65