You should always exercise good business judgement when offering delivery services to ensure your safety and those of other Canadian residents!

E-bikes and electric scooters have been growing in popularity in Canada and can be a great way to offer delivery services on the Skip platform. Some E-bikes and scooters contain lithium-ion batteries, which are more light-weight, energy-dense and long-lasting than traditional batteries. However, lithium-ion batteries are more volatile and can be considered a fire risk if not taken care of properly. There are steps you should take to ensure your safety.

Battery condition

Making sure your battery is in good working condition is vital to ensuring your safety on the road and when charging your vehicle. There are some warning signs to look out for when evaluating your battery:

• If the battery has swelled or changed shape;
• If any leaks from the battery;
• If the battery becomes hot to touch when charging or in use;
• The battery is scratched, dented or cracked;
• The colour of the battery changes; and
• The battery gives off a strong odour.

If you notice any of these warning signs, immediately stop using/charging the battery, and look to safely dispose of it. 

Charging your battery

Consider the following when attempting to charge your battery:

• Are you charging the battery using the correct charger? Using a different charger than the one supplied can cause damage to the battery or overheating. 

• Is the surface appropriate to charge your battery on? Where possible, charge your battery away from combustible surfaces and living areas. 
• Is the battery charging in a safe place? Is there a smoke alarm near where the battery is charging? Where possible, create an exclusion zone around where you are charging the battery and ensure they are kept away from doors and escape routes.

What else can you do to ensure your safety?

There are other things you can do to ensure your safety with lithium-ion batteries, such as:

• Only purchasing batteries from reputable suppliers;
• Ensuring the battery comes with the correct compliance sticker/plate meeting Canadian Standards;
• Ensure that repair or replacement is done by a qualified professional.;
• Never replace a charger with a unit not designed for your battery.

If you do encounter a defective battery, make sure you dispose of it properly. You can do this by following the below link:

• Recycle Your Batteries Canada

Remember, if you are faced with an emergency, always contact 911 as soon as possible.