Electric bicycle batteries not permitted on University premises

On 1 October 2024, the Vice-Chancellor approved new guidelines for the handling and charging of lithium-ion batteries on the University’s premises.

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common form of rechargeable battery today and are used in everything from mobile phones, computers and cordless machines to electric bicycles and electric cars. Be aware that there are also lithium batteries or lithium metal batteries that are not rechargeable and are not covered by these guidelines.

In short, the guidelines specify that only electrical equipment provided by the University may be charged and handled on University premises, plus private mobile phones and private laptops or tablets may be charged.

The reason for the new guidelines is the fires and explosions caused by lithium-ion batteries. For example, there have been a number of fires caused by batteries for electric bikes and electric scooters in recent years as these types of vehicles have become more common; see the links in the fact box below.

“The guidelines aim to protect our staff, students and premises from serious harm in the event of a battery fire. Battery fires happen regularly, most recently in Trollhättan in September 2024, for example,” says Fredrik Blomqvist, Chief Security Officer at Uppsala University.

Changes to insurance terms

As a result of the fires, Kammarkollegiet has changed the insurance terms in the insurance coverage that public authorities have to insure their property, among other items. Kammarkollegiet changed the terms from 1 January 2023, but Uppsala University has held off producing new internal guidelines because there has been a dialogue between the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions and Kammarkollegiet about the amended insurance terms.

Batteries for electric bicycles not permitted

The guidelines make it clear that lithium-ion batteries for electric bicycles and scooters must not be charged, stored or handled on the University’s premises. However, the guidelines also contain some exceptions when batteries for electric bikes and scooters may be charged and handled on the premises, such as in a free-standing, well-ventilated building at a safe distance from other buildings.

What does this mean in practice? For example, are the fairly new bicycle garages on campus considered to be at a safe distance and well-ventilated?

“Yes, the assessment is that the new bicycle garages are a good place to store electric bike batteries. Leave the battery in the bike while it is parked in the garage, as unfortunately there are no facilities for charging private batteries in the garages. For private batteries, there is currently no solution to properly manage them on other University premises – only the bicycle garages are considered safe. This is why private bicycle batteries should not be handled on the University’s premises now that the guidelines have now been approved. And handling refers to both storing and charging.

The guidelines also state that electric bicycle and scooter batteries may be stored outdoors at an appropriate distance from buildings and if the battery or charging device is weatherproofed.”

Is parking in an outdoor bicycle rack on campus considered weatherproofed and at an appropriate distance?

“Bicycle racks on campus are considered to be at a reasonable distance from our premises. What is meant by weatherproofed is a matter of definition, and Kammarkollegiet does not currently offer such a definition. However, taking your electric bike or scooter to and from work and parking it in a bike rack on campus is perfectly fine, in our view. What we want to prevent is the batteries then being brought along onto our premises.”

Will safe places be organised to store or charge electric bike batteries? The guidelines offer this option if the room has a minimum fire rating.

“That’s a question that will be discussed with the University’s landlords.”

What applies to University staff whose workplaces are located on non-University premises, such as the University Hospital?

“Employees working on other premises need to check the policies of the authority or organisation where they are located.”

Anders Berndt