Micromobility Device Safety Testing and Certification

As the popularity and diversity of micromobility products — low-speed, lightweight electric vehicles such as e-bikes, hoverboards, electric scooters and other electric personal transporters — rapidly grow, new standards emerge to protect end users’ safety.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Micromobility Safety Guidance

On December 20, 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) has called on manufacturers, retailers, importers, and distributors of micromobility devices to comply with established UL safety standards. This includes products covered by UL 2272 and UL 2849, which address electrical systems in personal e-mobility devices (such as hoverboards) and eBikes, respectively.

New York City Council’s law on micromobility devices and batteries

In a move to strengthen fire safety of e-bikes, e-scooters, and the lithium-ion batteries that power such devices, on March 2, 2023, the New York City Council passed Initiative 663-A, mandating e-bikes, e-scooters, e-mobility devices, and light electric vehicle (EV) battery packs to be third-party certified. On March 20, 2023, New York City Mayor Eric Adams signed this into law. With this new law, any company selling, leasing or distributing micromobility devices, such as e-bikes or e-scooters, has until September 16, 2023, to obtain certification from an accredited testing laboratory to:

• UL 2849, the Standard for Electrical Systems for e-Bikes, for the electrical system of any powered bicycle sold, distributed, leased, or rented in New York City.
• UL 2272, the Standard for Electrical Systems for Personal E-Mobility Devices, for all powered mobility devices, including e-scooters, sold, distributed, leased, or rented in New York City.
• UL 2271, the Standard for Batteries for Use in Light Electric Vehicle Applications, of any storage battery for a powered bicycle or mobility device sold, distributed, leased or rented in New York City.

Learn more about the details of the law. 

UL Solutions tests and certifies micromobility devices to international, national and regional regulations to help manufacturers get safer products to market. We assess the safety of battery packs and battery management systems to the requirements of relevant safety standards to minimize the potential risk of fire, explosion and electric shock during real-world use.

As a recognized international leader in battery safety, we offer a comprehensive range of safety testing and certification solutions. Our global footprint and reach can help you meet safety, EMC and local requirements, streamlining your innovative micromobility devices’ access to markets around the world.