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Safe Charging Principles for Foil Drive BatteriesUpdated an hour ago

Foil Drive batteries are high-energy lithium-ion batteries and must be charged correctly. Before every charge, take a moment to check your battery, charger and charging environment.

These principles apply to all Foil Drive batteries, alongside the specific charging instructions for your battery and charger model.

Before You Charge

1. Check Your Battery Voltage and Charger

Always confirm that you are using the correct charger for your battery voltage.

Foil Drive batteries operate at different voltages, and chargers are not universally interchangeable. For example, the Slim Endurance is a 28V battery and must not be charged with a 40V charger. Gen2.5 batteries, such as the Fusion, require their dedicated 43V charging system.

Before connecting:

  • Check the voltage/rating marked on the battery.
  • Check the voltage/rating marked on the charger.
  • Confirm the charger is approved for that specific Foil Drive battery.
  • Never assume that because the connector fits, the charger is compatible.
  • Never modify a charger, battery or charging connector to make them compatible.

If you are unsure whether your charger matches your battery, do not connect them.

2. Allow the Battery to Cool After Riding

After a session, allow the battery to return to a normal temperature before charging.

Riding places the battery under load and can generate heat. Do not immediately place a hot battery on charge.

Move the battery to a cool, dry and well-ventilated location and allow it to cool naturally. Do not attempt to rapidly cool the battery using water, ice, refrigeration or other methods.

3. Inspect the Battery Before Charging

Take a few seconds to visually inspect your battery every time you charge it.

Do not charge the battery if it:

  • Has been dropped or subjected to a significant impact.
  • Has been crushed, punctured or physically damaged.
  • Is swollen, distorted or unusually hot.
  • Is leaking or has an unusual smell.
  • Has damaged, bent, burnt or corroded connectors.
  • Has experienced suspected water ingress.
  • Is wet internally or you are unsure whether water has entered the battery.
  • Shows any other signs of abnormal behaviour.

Important: Wet or damaged batteries must not be used!

If you suspect your battery has been damaged, do not connect it to a charger. Contact Foil Drive Support for advice.

Set Up a Safe Charging Area

When you're ready to charge:

  • Charge in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area.
  • Keep the battery and charger away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Keep the area clear of flammable materials.
  • Ensure there is adequate airflow around the charger.
  • Never cover the charger while it is operating.
  • Use the supplied LiPo safe bag as directed.
  • Do not charge inside a hot, closed vehicle.
  • Do not leave a charging battery unattended or overnight.

While Charging

Keep an eye on the battery and charger throughout the charging process.

Stop charging immediately if you notice unexpected heat, swelling, smoke, unusual smells, leaking, unusual charger behaviour or any other abnormal condition.

Only use Foil Drive-approved charging equipment designed for your battery.

After Charging

Once charging is complete:

  1. Disconnect the battery from the charger.
  2. Disconnect the charger from mains power.
  3. Allow the battery and charger to cool before packing them away.
  4. Store the battery correctly if it will not be used immediately.

For longer periods between sessions, avoid leaving your battery sitting fully charged or deeply discharged. Follow the storage recommendations here.

The Three Checks Before Every Charge

Correct charger? → Battery cool? → Battery undamaged?

If the answer to any of these is No or I'm not suredo not charge the battery until you've confirmed it is safe to do so.

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