The Machines Work For Us

Lithium-ion batteries from e-bikes have been in the news recently for catching fire. But why? And how do you make sure yours is safe? In this episode I discuss what makes lithium batteries potentially dangerous, and what to look for when choosing batteries and chargers.

I refer to "Lithium batteries" in the podcast as a short-hand for the more correct term - "Lithium-ion batteries" which is chemically-correct but more combersome to say over and over again. To the best of my knowledge they can't be confused with anything else.

Inside a Lithium-ion Battery:
https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/everyday-tech/lithium-ion-battery.htm

New South Wales Government guidance:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/safety-home/electrical-safety/lithium-ion-battery-safety

New South Wales Government standards (from February 2025):
https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/safety-home/electrical-safety/lithium-ion-battery-safety/new-standards-for-lithium-ion-batteries-e-micromobility-devices