Today is your day Boomer! Let's face it, Boomers love electric bikes and scooters. We are maybe the biggest buyers and users of these electric recreational vehicles.....but we do not like electric battery fires. Just this week, at least seven people were injured in a five-alarm fire in New York which required the attention of 200 firefighters. Officials believe the incident stemmed from a lithium-ion battery of a scooter found on the roof of an apartment building. And there have been several other fire incidents in North America, including deaths, related to these battery fires. So, what to do to protect yourself and your property Boomers? According to CTV News, here are some mostly common-sense tips. First of all, don't buy the cheap ones. It is recommended that "people buy UL-certified electric bikes and scooters from reputable retailers; online marketplaces often make it hard for customers to tell where products are actually coming from. So, lowest price doesn't always mean safety; do your research. Secondly, "any device with this kind of battery should be charged and stored in a cool, dry place, and not left charging for too long or while you're asleep -- a recommendation likely at odds with how many consumers handle their devices." So, no charging overnight in your freezing or very hot garage. Number three, do not overcharge these batteries and if they get too warm, unplug them. Inspect them on a regular basis and look for cracks and leaks. And if there is a fire, call 911 right away; don't try and put out the fire yourself....even fire extinguishers can't stop a lithium battery fire from spreading! Wow, lots of things to think about and proactively DO when it comes to safety and e-bikes. Take care Boomers and happy riding!

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