Introduction

Safety Precautions

General Handling

• Do Not Disassemble: Never open or modify the battery, as this can damage the BMS or cells, leading to unsafe conditions.
• Avoid Physical Damage: Do not drop, puncture, or crush the battery.
• Use Insulated Tools: When working near the battery, use insulated tools to prevent short circuits. Avoid wearing metal jewelry like rings or watches.
• Protect Terminals: Ensure terminals are covered or insulated when not connected to prevent accidental short circuits.

Electrical

• Correct Connections: Always connect the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals correctly to avoid reverse polarity, which can damage the battery or equipment.
• Avoid Short Circuits: Do not allow metal objects to bridge the terminals.
• Compatible Equipment:
  • Avoid lead-acid chargers with automatic “de-sulfation,” “repair,” “recondition,” or “recovery” modes that cannot be disabled, as these may damage the battery.
  • (ALL Schumacher Lead-Acid chargers have these modes that cannot be turned off. Therefore, we do not recommend the use of ANY Schumacher chargers. If you are unsure about your charger, please contact us.)
  • Do NOT use any LiPO (Lithium Polymer)/ Li-ion chemistry chargers as these will overcharge the battery and lead to unsafe conditions.

Correct Application

• Confirm the correct battery is being used in an application by using the battery finder on the Shorai website.
• Never use an underrated battery (CCA) for an application. This can lead to premature failure and voided warranty.
• Verify that the charge circuit of the application is putting out the correct voltage.
  • 12v systems require 13.6v~14.4v @ cruise RPM.
  • 6v systems require 6.8v~7.2v @ cruise RPM.

Correct Charging

The use of a compatible charger can go a long way towards optimal performance and longevity of your Shorai battery. There are some definite "DOs" & "DON'Ts" when it comes to chargers, and we will try to help point you in the right direction.

• DO's
• If you currently own a Shorai BMS01 charger you may continue to use it. They are great chargers and work with both LFX and LFM models.
• Whenever possible, use a lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) charger to charge your battery. There are several options available, we like the Optimate Lithium 4s chargers, they have a "unlock" function for the BMS.
  • We suggest the Optimate 0.8a charger for Shorai batteries up to the 18 series. For the 19 series and above, we suggest the 6a Optimate chargers. 
• Lead-acid chargers are acceptable if they DO NOT have a "desulfation" (or similar) mode.
• Most "tender" style chargers are now available in "lithium" versions, they work well and do not have a desulfation mode.
• Charge your Shorai battery at temperatures above freezing.
• DONT’s
• Do not use any charger that has a "desulfation", "repair", "recondition", or "recover" mode that cannot be turned off. These modes are specifically for lead-acid batteries and will damage a lithium battery by spiking the voltage too high. 
• Do not use any LiPo (Lithium Polymer) or Li-Ion chemistry chargers as they will overcharge the battery and cause potential fire. 
• If you are unsure if your current charger is acceptable for use with a Shorai battery, contact us, we will be happy to help!
• Do not charge your Shorai battery when the temperature is below freezing. (32f/0c)
• DO NOT use lithium jump packs or boost packs to start or unlock your Shorai battery or bike. These devices can deliver extremely high current in a short time, potentially damaging the BMS or causing catastrophic cell failure—especially if the battery is deeply discharged. Use of these devices will void the Shorai warranty.

Non-Shorai Chargers

If using a lead acid style charger, DO NOT use it if it has an automatic "desulfation mode", "repair", "recondition", or "recovery" mode, which cannot be turned off. (nearly ALL Schumacher Lead-Acid chargers have these modes that cannot be turned off; therefore, we do not recommend the use of ANY Schumacher chargers. If you are unsure about your charger, please contact us.)  Lead acid charger/tenders can be used for regular maintenance charging and then be disconnected after the battery is fully charged.  DO NOT leave the lead acid charger connected to store the battery, because most will NOT maintain the proper voltage for lithium batteries.

Environmental

• Temperature Range: The optimal operating temperature range for LiFePO4 batteries is generally between 20°C and 45°C (68°F to 113°F).
  • Down to about 20°F (-7°C) most users find that they can start normally on first crank.
• Cold weather starting: If your headlight comes on at key-ON, it is good for the batteries to flow some current before cranking in cold weather. The suggested headlight-on time before cranking depends on the temperature. Other accessories that can be turned on before cranking can also be used for this purpose, such as heated gear, radio, etc...
  • If starting at 40°F /5°C, 30 seconds will help wake the battery and increase cranking performance.
  • If at 0°F /-17°C, leave the lights on for 4~5 minutes before cranking. The result will be a better first crank, and longer battery life. If the engine fails to start on the first crank, that first crank has warmed the battery, and the second attempt will be much stronger.
  • Do NOT crank repeatedly, allow the battery to rest a minimum of 30 seconds between cranking.
  • Ensuring that the battery is fully charged after storage also improves first-start performance in cold weather.
• Avoid Moisture: Keep the battery dry and away from water or high humidity to prevent corrosion or short circuits.
  • Avoid high pressure power washing around the battery case, or constant exposure to water.
  • If the battery may be occasionally submerged, we highly suggest applying sealant to fill the horizontal seam between top and bottom of the battery case, and that the 5-pin port be fully packed with dielectric grease. (dielectric grease is a good idea in any case to ensure no pin corrosion).
  • Also, dielectric grease can be liberally applied to terminals for wet environments.
• No Flames or Heat: Do not expose the battery to open flames, direct sunlight, or extreme heat, as temperatures above 500°C can cause cell decomposition.

Storage Safety

• Safe Location: Store in a dry, well-ventilated area away from flammable materials, children, or pets. 
• Temperature: cool (15–25°C or 59–77°F), Cool storage is good for any type of battery.
  • Any charging during storage should be performed at temperatures above 0°C.
  • Avoid long storage at temperatures below 0F/-18C or above 90F/32C whenever possible. 
• Disconnect: Ensure the battery is disconnected from all loads and chargers during storage to prevent accidental discharge or parasitic draw.
  • You may remove the battery from the vehicle for seasonal storage and place it in a cool, dry location – with terminals taped to avoid short circuit (ideal is about 34F/1C, so a refrigerator is great).
• Inspect regularly for cracks, dents, or swelling.

Disposal and Recycling

• Do Not Dispose in Trash: LiFePO4 batteries must be recycled at a designated facility due to their chemical composition.
• Avoid Incineration: Do not burn or expose to fire, as high temperatures can cause cell decomposition.
• Contact Local Authorities: Follow local regulations for battery disposal.
• More Info: Please see our Battery Recycling page HERE

Emergency Procedures

• Fire: In the unlikely event of a fire, use a Class D fire extinguisher or dry sand. LiFePO4 batteries have a low risk of thermal runaway, but high temperatures (above 500°C) can cause decomposition.
• Short Circuit: Immediately disconnect the battery and isolate terminals to prevent further damage.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer is not liable for damage caused by misuse, improper installation, or failure to follow this manual. Always prioritize safety and consult professionals for complex installations.