Multimeter
A multimeter reads voltage and other electrical values. On Pedalwise it's only for a charger check your maker's guide describes, and never for battery packs.
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Battery and electrical safety. Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire if they're damaged or charged wrong. Never open a battery pack, and stop using any battery that's swollen, hot, wet or smells burnt. Every edit to this page is checked by a second person before it goes live.
A multimeter is a handheld meter that reads electrical values such as voltage. On an e-bike or scooter it has a narrow place for home use.
Never probe, open or test inside an e-bike or scooter battery pack. Bosch says the battery housing must not be opened (Bosch battery safety), and Park Tool says internal motor and battery service usually needs training from the maker and is not recommended for home users (Park Tool e-bike tools). If you suspect the battery, take it to a pro through Find a shop.
What it's used for
The only use this wiki covers is checking a charger's output, and only when your charger's maker publishes that check in its own guide. If your maker gives no such procedure, don't improvise one. Have a shop test the charger and battery instead. Start with Check your charger and Battery won't charge.
What to look for
- A meter whose voltage range covers the figure the maker's guide gives for your charger.
- Leads and probes in good condition, as your maker's guide or the meter's own manual describes.
Using it safely
- Follow the maker's charger procedure step by step, and stop if anything in it is unclear.
- Use only the charger that came with your device or one the maker has approved. CPSC warns that chargers that fit but are not approved can cause a battery to ignite (CPSC charger warning).
- Don't use a battery pack that has been modified or reworked by unqualified people (CPSC micromobility center).
A charger or battery that runs hot, smells, swells or makes hissing or popping sounds needs a pro, not a meter. UL Standards and Engagement lists these as warning signs (UL Standards and Engagement).
Guides that use it
Sources
Guides that use this
If these steps didn't fix it, find a shop near you in our partner network. For battery or wiring trouble, look for shops marked Battery and electrical.
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