Rei co-op cycles e1.1 catches fire

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Whitrzac@reddit

Theres no way that "explosion" moved the door. They get hot and put off a lot of smoke, but theres no concussive force. At best its like a firecracker.

I would bet my next paycheck the cats pissed or chewed on it, then went flying through the door when it started on fire.

The e1.1 and e1.2 batteries are trash, comeing from someone that has one and has had to replace the bms on it already.

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chrispark70@reddit

I assure you it is not. Explosive gasses can build in confined spaces and release a massive explosion.

This structure was flattened. Granted, it was a much larger battery, but the result is the example:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LbBryib8yY&

This smaller battery also caused an explosion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE1mByf74cw

You have to remember these batteries off gas flammable gasses. You get a good mix and an ignition source and you can get a powerful explosion.

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No_Specific_5725@reddit

Those are LFP batteries (they release hydrogen when venting and can explode if there is a spark at the right H2 concentration). In ebikes, the cells are NMC.

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HombreDeBrandon@reddit

100% agree. Lots of heat, lots of smoke, but no force.

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billgytes@reddit

Hi, do you know if these are the models with the Shimano Steps E5000 system? I also have one of these, just want to make sure this doesn't happen in my garage...

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drt3k@reddit

Where are the people who say to buy name brands so this doesn't happen. It's almost like all lithium batteries are dangerous.

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whattteva@reddit

Tell me you have no idea what you're saying without telling me you have no idea what you're saying.

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drt3k@reddit

Took you long enough. Was wondering when the butthurt brigade would roll in.

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Ohm_Slaw_@reddit

No lithium battery is 100% safe just like no can of gasoline is 100% safe. There is a lot of energy stored in small space. Things can go wrong.

If you buy quality it radically improves your odds. There is still a small risk, and for that you depend on smoke alarms, the fire department and good insurance.

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whattteva@reddit

Many people don't understand what certifications mean and think they're basement armchair experts on whatever subject they're talking about.

They probably also have no idea that the commercial jetliner they're riding to go places have like thousands of certifications, but it's still no guarantee that it will not be involved in a crash due to a failure in one of the certified systems.

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Relative-Display-676@reddit (OP)

This particular model wasn't UL certified at the time, so 🤷‍♂️

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drt3k@reddit

Why would that matter. UL typically exposes products to heat and improper use to test if the product reacts safely. This is a quality control issue with a battery cell. Certifying the charger for failure modes makes sense. Wouldn't want the charger to connect AC to my battery if the mosfet fails.

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chrispark70@reddit

https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/video-shows-electric-bike-battery-explode-ann-arbor-garage/

I always charge my bike the day I need it, not before. While this bike was not charging at the time of the fire, it was probably in a high state of charge. The less charged a battery is, the less likely it is to go into thermal runaway in the first place and the less energy given off in the fire. Plus, it is better for the battery to sit at a lower state of charge in terms of lasting longer.

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ihavenoideia@reddit

Your quote is somewhat missleading. It's not better to sit at a lower SoC in terms of lasting longer. In fact, if they should not be discharged regularly bellow 20% , and if keeping in storage for long periods its recommended to keep it at 50/60%

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canned_pho@reddit

Shark pack style or similar external battery packs imo are prone to moisture ingress. And the cells were not covered in resin like they are nowadays.

If I had a shark pack, I would use silicone caulk to seal the seams of where the case snaps together.

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malapropter@reddit

lmfao guess what my human-powered bikes have never done?

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Significant-Pen-6049@reddit

Asked you for a back rub that turned into something else

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PimpSack@reddit

Yet

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thishasntbeeneasy@reddit

That seems very odd that it spontaneously did that while unplugged and apparently not recently used if the homeowner was away.

Also noticing that the door swings open, likely cat(s) leaving the garage. They one chew through the wires?

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Relative-Display-676@reddit (OP)

fire dept said door was blown open by initial battery explosion.

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maxamil432@reddit

Good observation

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InfluenceEfficient77@reddit

More evidence that buy US made is just bs

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Relative-Display-676@reddit (OP)

co-op ebikes are designed in usa and made in taiwan and china.

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cosmicrae@reddit

Based on the video, it looks like one cell went, then it cascaded to other cells (either due to the heat or the fire).

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so_many_wangs@reddit

How old is the bike/battery? This is my biggest fear while keeping mine in a bike room.

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Relative-Display-676@reddit (OP)

Bike was sold from 2022-2023.

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Relative-Display-676@reddit (OP)

https://www.clickondetroit.com/all-about-ann-arbor/2026/05/27/security-camera-captures-the-moment-an-e-bike-battery-explodes-in-ann-arbor/

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Security video captured the frightening moment an e-bike battery burst into flames inside an Ann Arbor garage early Tuesday morning, sending two cats to an emergency veterinary hospital.

According to authorities, it happened just after 2 a.m., May 26, at a home on Ravenwood Avenue, near the intersection of Miller Avenue and Maple Road.

The footage shows a flash of light as the fire ignites, followed by flames and thick smoke quickly filling the space. The force of the exploding battery blew open the door connecting the garage to the living area, allowing smoke to spread throughout the home.

Firefighters found two cats inside the home, including one that required oxygen at the scene.

Both cats were transported to an emergency veterinary hospital on Jackson Avenue for treatment.

The resident was not home at the time of the fire but was alerted by the home’s security cameras.

The Ann Arbor Fire Department said the battery was not charging at the time of the fire and that the owner “did everything right.”

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CrashTestPhoto@reddit

Not to point fingers here, but isn't this simply a case of someone buying a cheap and sketchy E-Bike and then leaving it unattended on charge overnight and not having the common sense to have smoke alarms fitted on their home?

Like seriously, some seriously dumb shit led to this very serious situation.

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HoliusCrapus@reddit

Is everyone okay? Did the garage / house survive?