Source: Crowell

The US’s Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has placed a proposed safety standard for lithium-ion batteries used in micromobility products back onto its agenda, after a period of flux for the rule.

The draft standard is intended to address potential risks of injury and death associated with lithium-ion batteries used in micromobility products including e-bikes and e-scooters, as well as replaceable battery packs, conversion kits and chargers sold separately. If passed, the rule would be codified as a consumer product safety standard, imposing performance requirements on both original electric systems installed in LEVs, and in the aftermarket of electrical products described above.

The proposal would involve modifications to the performance requirements which are outlined in the current voluntary standards for lithium-ion batteries in micromobility products:

• UL 2849-20 (Standard for Safety for Electrical Systems for eBikes)
• UL 2272-24 (Standard for Safety for Electrical Systems for Personal E-Mobility Devices)
• UL 2271-23 (Standard for Safety for Batteries for Use in Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) Applications)

The update about the draft standard came in a statement issued by Acting Chairman and current sole Commissioner of the CPSC, Peter Feldman on August 21, in which he announced several advancements of “critical safety standards” to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA).