HOKUS — Battery Care & Safety Guide


At Hokus, we use high-quality 48V lithium-ion cells designed for performance and longevity. Because we are based in the Illawarra and comply with the 2026 NSW safety standards, we provide this guide to help you get the most out of your battery while ensuring the highest level of safety.

  • 1. Charging Best Practices

    How you charge your battery determines how many years of life you get out of it.

    • Use the Hokus Charger Only: Always use the 48V charger supplied with your bike. Third-party chargers can bypass safety protections and lead to cell damage or fire risk.
    • Charge in a Safe Area: Charge your battery on a hard, flat, non-flammable surface (like a garage floor or kitchen bench). Keep it away from curtains, beds, or carpets.
    • Monitor the Charge: We recommend unplugging the battery once it reaches 100%. While our BMS (Battery Management System) has overcharge protection, it is best practice not to leave it plugged in for days at a time.
    • Avoid Extreme Heat: Never charge your battery in direct sunlight or immediately after a long, high-intensity ride. Let the battery "rest" and cool down for 30 minutes before plugging it in.

  • Temperature & Environment

    Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to the Australian climate.

    • The "Goldilocks" Zone: Your battery is happiest between 10°C and 30°C.
    • Avoid the Car Trunk: Never leave your battery in a locked car on a hot day. Internal temperatures in a car can quickly exceed safe limits, permanently degrading the cells.
    • Coastal Care: If you live near the ocean the salt air can accelerate corrosion on the charging ports. Keep the rubber weather cap closed whenever you aren't charging.

  • 3. Long-Term Storage

    If you aren't going to ride your Hokus for more than two weeks, follow these storage rules:

    • The 50% Rule: Never store a battery at 0% or 100%. Aim for a 30% to 60% charge (roughly 2-3 bars on the display).
    • Don't Let it "Sleep": If a battery sits at 0% for months, the voltage can drop so low that the BMS "locks" the battery for safety, making it unchargeable. This is considered "neglect" and is not covered by warranty.
    • Check Monthly: Give the battery a 20-minute top-up every month to keep the cells active.

  • 4. Cleaning & Physical Safety

    • No Pressure Washers: Water is the enemy of electronics. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the battery casing. Never submerge the battery or hit it with high-pressure water at a car wash.
    • Inspect for Damage: If you drop your battery or are involved in an accident, stop using it immediately. Even if the case looks fine, internal cells can be crushed. Contact us at hello@hokus.com.au for a safety inspection.

  • 5. Safety Warning Signs

    In the highly unlikely event you notice any of the following, move the battery outdoors away from structures and call us:

    • Strange Smells: A sweet, metallic, or "chemical" odour.
    • Heat: The battery feels hot to the touch while sitting idle.
    • Swelling: The plastic casing looks bloated or warped.
    • Leaking: Any fluid or "weeping" from the battery seams.

  • 6. End of Life & Recycling

    Lithium-ion batteries do not belong in your red or yellow bins—they are a major fire risk for waste trucks. When your battery eventually reaches the end of its life, please return it to a Hokus service point or a certified B-cycle recycling location.