As electronic bikes and scooters become increasingly popular, more and more collegiate women are relying on personal electric vehicles (PEVs) for transportation around campus. For women living in the chapter house, charging and storing an electric bike or scooter’s lithium-ion battery poses a risk for batteries to overheat, catch fire, or possibly explode.

Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries used in cell phones, power tools, hybrid vehicles, and other chargeable electronic devices we use every day. While they are common, they do have drawbacks, most notably their sensitivity to extreme temperatures. PEVs use lithium-ion batteries, which are typically detached from the bike or scooter to charge after use. While some bikes and scooters have batteries built into their frame, most can be detached to charge and store separately.

We recommend that batteries always be removed from the vehicle frame and charged separately. If a battery cannot be removed from the vehicle frame, the PEV should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment away from the chapter house’s general living space such as a garage. If there is not dry, temperature-controlled storage available, the PEV should not be kept at the chapter house or outside on chapter property.

Once a battery is charged and/or when it’s not in use, consider requiring members to keep their battery in a fireproof battery bag, which are affordable (around $30) and widely available. These bags are waterproof, explosion-proof and made to withstand fire and extreme heat (up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit). Requiring use of these bags mitigates risk of a battery causing property damage or bodily harm and provides the flexibility of non-temperature-controlled storage for the bike frame.

PEV batteries should not be stored long term (more than 30 days) without being checked or used by the owner. Furthermore, batteries should never be left in a vacant or empty chapter house over a school break or a member’s extended absence. Members should be required to remove batteries and find storage if they are away from campus.

Please see the list of “always and never” recommendations below for best practices when charging and storing lithium-ion batteries.

When it comes to storing a personal electric vehicle, there are a few simple things you can do to make sure that your members are storing their PEV lithium-ion batteries safely. By implementing these simple and straightforward practices, storing these batteries can be safe and easy!