CPSC Targets E-Bike Battery Fires in New Rule
Published Date: 6/24/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Consumer Product Safety Commission wants to make lithium-ion batteries in micromobility products (like e-scooters and e-bikes) safer to prevent fires and injuries. They’re proposing new rules that require these batteries to meet tougher safety standards and, for kids’ products, to pass special third-party testing. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until August 24, 2026, to speak up—these changes could mean safer rides and possibly some new costs for makers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Mandatory Safety Rules for E-bike/Scooter Batteries
The CPSC proposes that lithium-ion batteries and electrical systems in micromobility products (like eBikes, eScooters, eSkateboards, eUnicycles, and hybrids) must meet the performance requirements in UL 2849:2020, UL 2272:2024, and UL 2271:2023 with CPSC modifications. The proposal covers both batteries sold with the product and user-replaceable battery packs and chargers sold separately, and it cites 227 incidents (2019–2023) that included 39 fatalities and 181 injuries as the reason for the rule.
New Design and Test Requirements for Makers
The NPR would add specific design and test requirements manufacturers must meet, including adding tamper-resistant battery enclosure rules to UL 2849-20 and UL 2271-23, adding a post-discharge charge test to UL 2849-20 and UL 2271-23, and adding a reverse polarity test to UL 2849-20, UL 2272-24, and UL 2271-23. These changes require product redesign and extra testing by sellers and makers.
Third-Party Testing for Kids' Micromobility Items
The NPR proposes to add this rule to the list of standards that require third-party testing for children's products. That means micromobility products that meet the definition of children's products would be subject to third-party testing before they can be sold.
Aftermarket Batteries and Chargers Regulated
The proposal brings user-replaceable battery packs sold separately, aftermarket battery chargers, and components sold in eBike conversion kits within the rule's scope, so those products would have to meet the applicable modified UL requirements. The NPR specifically includes batteries and chargers sold separately from micromobility products.
Stronger Safety Labels on Micromobility Products
The NPR proposes revised labeling requirements in UL 2849-20, UL 2272-24, and UL 2271-23 to improve safety messages about electric shock, thermal runaway, homemade batteries, and unsafe charging so consumers see clearer warnings and instructions.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14934, Removal of Obsolete or Unnecessary Requirements
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is cleaning house by removing old and unnecessary rules that no longer matter. This update won’t change how safe products are but will make things simpler and cut down on extra costs for businesses. The new rules kick in on September 21, 2026, unless someone speaks up with a big objection by August 24, 2026.
2026-14822, Revocation of Obsolete Rules Regarding Infant Bouncer Seats and Stationary Activity Centers
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is cleaning house by removing old rules about infant bouncer seats and stationary activity centers because newer safety standards already cover them. This change helps manufacturers and everyone else by cutting down on confusing, duplicate rules without changing any safety protections. The update kicks in on September 21, 2026, unless someone speaks up by August 21, 2026.
2026-13643, Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of Collection; Safety Standard for Adult Portable Bed Rails
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is asking to keep collecting info from companies that make or import adult portable bed rails to make sure these rails stay safe and don’t cause injuries. They’re extending this info collection approval through August 31, 2026, with no changes or extra costs. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until August 6, 2026, to speak up!
2026-12695, Notice of Commission Determination Regarding Technological Feasibility of Lead Content Reduction
The Consumer Product Safety Commission checked if it’s possible to lower lead limits in kids’ products and paints even more. They found the current rules already require the lowest lead levels that technology can handle, so no changes will happen now. This means manufacturers can keep making safe products without new costs or deadlines for now.
2026-12288, Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of Collection; Comment Request; Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads and Standard for the Flammability (Open Flame) of Mattress Sets
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is asking for your thoughts on keeping their rules about how mattresses and mattress pads must resist catching fire. This affects mattress makers and sellers who need to keep sharing safety info. Comments are open until August 17, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just a chance to help keep everyone safe and sound while they sleep!
2026-12210, Proposed Settlement Agreement, Stipulation, Order and Judgement, etc.; Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing, Inc.
Daikin Comfort Technologies is settling with the Consumer Product Safety Commission by agreeing to pay an $8.5 million fine. This deal fixes safety concerns about their products and helps keep consumers safe. People have until July 2, 2026, to share their thoughts before the settlement is final.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12745, Television Broadcasting Services Alamogordo, New Mexico
Vision Broadcasting wants to switch their new Alamogordo TV station from channel 4 to channel 11 to give viewers a better signal. The FCC agrees this change meets all the rules and is asking for public comments by July 24, 2026. This switch could mean clearer TV for folks in Alamogordo without extra costs or delays.
Next: 2026-12750, Enterprise Duty To Serve Underserved Markets
The Federal Housing Finance Agency wants to update rules so Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can better help families with low to moderate incomes, especially in manufactured, affordable, and rural housing. The new plan aims to make it easier for these companies to innovate and serve these communities without lots of red tape. People can send their thoughts on this proposal by July 24, 2026.