Overcharged e-bike in Biñan catches fire, damages SUV, motorcycle

An electric bike or e-bike caught fire in Biñan, Laguna after its battery was allegedly overcharged according to authorities.

According to Dano Tingcungco's 24 Oras report on Thursday, a fire broke out inside a subdivision in Biñan, Laguna, last Friday morning, which, based on the investigation, was caused by an overcharged e-bike battery.

“Nanggaling sa battery, and then, nag-spread-out na siya doon sa ano sa entire na e-bike,” said Fire Officer 3 Mark Anthony de Roxas, Intelligence and Investigation Unit Chief, Bureau of Fire Protection Biñan City.

(It started from the battery and then it spread out to consume the entire e-bike.)

Although no one was hurt, a sports utility vehicle and a motorcycle parked near the e-bike were damaged by the fire.

“’Yung spread ng fire, eh, mabilis,” said de Roxas.

(The fire spread quickly.)

GMA Regional TV is trying to get a statement from the owner of the e-bike and other vehicles, but according to the BFP, they are already in communication.

According to the National Bicycle Organization (NBO), there are many reasons for a battery to fail despite a battery management system (BMS) that prevents overcharging.

“It usually comes from exposure to heat. If you use an e-bike na nabilad nang sobra (that was exposed to the sun for too long) it can cause some problems with the battery. Also, there could be some manufacturing defects. One cause may be the use of different chargers. Each battery or each e-bike has a different requirement,” said Benedict Camara, NBO founder and president.

Since an e-bike uses a battery as its power source, it shouldn't be used during extreme heat and rainy conditions.

“Don’t leave it under the sun and hot places and avoid na mabasa siya (getting wet). Liquid getting into electronics can cause problems,” he added.

Experts said the "15-15 rule" should be followed— users allow 15 minutes for the vehicle to rest after using and  waiting 15 minutes after charging before operation.

“Huwag iwan overnight kasi yun ang nagiging cause ng sunog. Plus yung substandard na pagbubuo ng battery. Kailangan may BMS, yun yung utak ng baterya kailangan may insulators para hindi dikit-dikit,” advised Kim Ching, e-bike dealer and enthusiast.

(Do not leave it charging overnight because that can cause a fire. Plus substandard battery manufacture. You need a BMS, that's the brain of the battery, you need insulators so they don't touch each other.)

Experts also suggested having the e-bike inspected at the service center if there is a problem with the battery and to have the vehicle undergo a maintenance check every two or three months.—Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News