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.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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