While some of these exposures weren ’ t a consideration when e-bikes first came onto the scene , understanding them now can help shape your insurance decisions .
E-bike liability considerations
Courier companies may question who is responsible for battery claims . Is it the bike owner or the manufacturer ( s )? Unfortunately , it can take weeks , months , or even years to determine the liability in a product liability claim . In the meantime , the courier operation and its insurers may need to deal with any third-party damages / injuries that have occurred , as well as their own losses .
The lithium-ion batteries which e-bikes use also present a unique fire hazard . Batteries which have been over-charged , over-heated or damaged can ignite a fire , which can be difficult to control . One battery can cause significant damage . If multiple batteries are involved , the problem can be even greater .
If you ’ re operating a courier business utilizing e-bikes , understanding the liabilities can help you manage your risk . Make sure you know the answers to these pertinent questions when deploying and managing e-bike fleets :
• Who is the e-bike battery manufacturer ?
• Are the batteries UL-certified ?
• What are the recommended manufacturer guidelines for :
• Charging , storage , and maintenance
• Disposal
• Safe operating conditions for the batteries ( temperature range , etc .)
• Do you have company policies to ensure your employees follow the manufacturers ’ recommendations ?
• How many e-bikes / batteries will be stored in each location at one time ?
• Do you train your employees on the hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries ?
• Are there any city ordinances regarding the use / storage of large quantities of lithium-ion batteries ?
• Do you have written safety plans in place for a spontaneous battery fire ? CLDA
Tim DeRosa is the Private Client Chief Operating Officer & Ken Cullen is a Senior Property Loss Control Engineer at Risk Strategies . For more information , contact the Risk Strategies Transportation Team at transportation @ riskstrategies . com
36 customized logistics & delivery Magazine I spring 2024