Electric bike catches fire in Newport Beach

[knucklebuster]

Just like watching F1 races with brakes on fire! (But, basically the brakes were too small for the car, right?)

I believe that was in the era where the industry had to move away from asbestos in the pads. I think allot of companies had to re-figure it out. From recollection they couldn't increase the front disc size without increasing the wheel size, so no 'silver bullet' fix. A mix of things made it ok, and eventually a platform change.

 

[fos'l]

Pretty nasty if these are Pedego's since AFAIK they use the best batteries and have a sophisticated battery management system. Also, I question the sanity of anyone who applauds this happening since they're just wishing that individuals will be hurt, maimed or killed, and maybe not just the bike, car or whatever owner. Real humanitarian.

 

[herzalot]

Pretty nasty if these are Pedego's since AFAIK they use the best batteries and have a sophisticated battery management system. Also, I question the sanity of anyone who applauds this happening since they're just wishing that individuals will be hurt, maimed or killed, and maybe not just the bike, car or whatever owner. Real humanitarian.

I never wish ill on a fellow human being. I do wish ill on the bikes however - but really, only the mt. variety. I couldn't care less what kind of motor is on a bike on pavement or roads.

 

[skyungjae]

Not an isolated incident ... an eMTB did the same thing in my neighborhood last week. Didn't see it myself, but a friend saw it and posted video on fb and my wife saw the aftermath. Guy was riding along through an intersection when the bike exploded underneath him, and the bike continued to spit sparks and flame for quite a while after. If it had been on a singletrack trail on a breezy August day, the fire would have been out of control in seconds. I used to think these things should only be allowed where motorized bikes are allowed, but now I'm beginning to think they shouldn't be allowed off streets (I can think of a lot of paved bike paths bordered by heavy brush). At least the motorcycles have spark arrestors.

View attachment 26407
I'm guessing this is a problem only with the lower-end products, but I saw a nameless eMTB on my local trails the other day, so people aren't only riding Specialized Turbos etc. Can't exactly post signs that say: "No e-bikes permitted unless built by Specialized or Trek."

As far as the Li-Ion batteries in lights ... even if they experience catastrophic failure, they're not going to put out flames like these combusting bikes are doing.

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Was that an off the shelf / turn key e-mtb?

Most retail bikes use 18650 cells (Tesla, laptops, what most of our lights use) which can take a beating both physically and under load pretty safely. DIY builds that use those RC LiPo batteries go up in flames a lot more often.

Then again... there are those vape uses that have unregulated DIY boxes that draw way to much current. Mini hand grenade in your mouth.

Anyhow, it's a good thing nobody was hurt. Though I imagine, the person who owns that e-bike probably has hurt feelings. That thing was probably a car replacement given that fancy basket up front.

 

[Cornholio]

Lol, I don't think anyone is seriously applauding batteries exploding beneath people's crotches with hopes of injury. Let's not get all snowflakey here now, keep that in Yahoo article comments.

 

[mike]

...I question the sanity of anyone who applauds this happening since they're just wishing that individuals will be hurt, maimed or killed...

With all respect, Bob, it's quite a leap from motor-fire amusement to wishing harm on people. We might be laughing a little loudly, but we're not evil. Cheers.

 

[BigTex]

Was that an off the shelf / turn key e-mtb?

Most retail bikes use 18650 cells (Tesla, laptops, what most of our lights use) which can take a beating both physically and under load pretty safely. DIY builds that use those RC LiPo batteries go up in flames a lot more often.

Then again... there are those vape uses that have unregulated DIY boxes that draw way to much current. Mini hand grenade in your mouth.

Anyhow, it's a good thing nobody was hurt. Though I imagine, the person who owns that e-bike probably has hurt feelings. That thing was probably a car replacement given that fancy basket up front.

Couldn't tell you, as I didn't see it. I just know the person who did described it as and electric MTB - but I don't know his proficiency in identifying bikes. For all I know, to him, flat bar and wide tires = MTB.

 

[Danimal]

Read in the OC register that the ebike company replaced both bikes.

http://m.ocregister.com/articles/bike-747209-beach-vondran.html

 

[Mikie]

Also, I question the sanity of anyone who applauds this happening since they're just wishing that individuals will be hurt, maimed or killed, and maybe not just the bike, car or whatever owner. Real humanitarian.

Definitely do not ever wish any harm to anyone....ever!
Definitely look for any epic failure to Motorized Vehicles claiming to be Mountain Bikes, and trail worthy.
Yes, I know that is a difference of opinion, but I have never hidden my thoughts or feelings about eBikes.
Carry on!

 

[skyungjae]

The company should also include these.