January 13, 2026
Knowledge gaps can have tragic consequences. This is certainly true for consumers who don’t fully understand the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and the phenomenon known as thermal runaway.
Millions of products use lithium-ion batteries, including phones, notebook computers, e-bikes and e-scooters. Many people are unaware of the critical importance of a high-quality battery. Lithium-ion batteries that are counterfeit, of inferior quality, damaged, exposed to harsh conditions or improperly used can suddenly go into thermal runaway. This is an uncontrollable state that can result in fire, explosions and the release of toxic smoke.
Fires caused by thermal runaway are particularly hazardous because they can reignite after they appear to be extinguished. Even though such fires might appear to be out, the batteries could still become dangerously hot and self-ignite again.
That is why it is so important for consumers to ensure that their micromobility devices (such as e-bikes and e-scooters), their lithium-ion batteries and the charging equipment have all undergone certification through an independent, appropriately accredited third party. Thousands of companies worldwide rely on UL Solutions as a trusted certification body for battery products.
A global leader in safety science, UL Solutions helps manufacturers bring safer micromobility products to market by providing services to test, inspect and certify that batteries, charging equipment and electrical components for e-bikes and e-scooters have met applicable safety and performance standards.
Conscientious e-bike and e-scooter owners are vigilant about looking for the UL Mark on products and packaging. The famous UL Mark, found on billions of products around the world, signifies that the products have been certified to meet UL Standards for safety and performance.
Additionally, diligent consumers proactively educate themselves about proper maintenance. According to a May 2024 research report published by UL Standards & Engagement, 44% of e-bike owners said they had replaced an old battery with a new one. Among owners who had replaced a battery, 24% reported replacing an old battery because it was overheating.
E-bikes and e-scooters powered by lithium-ion batteries have been a factor in numerous fires caused by thermal runaway events, especially in places like New York City, where many delivery workers use e-bikes. In New York City, Local Law 39 requires that e-mobility devices and batteries be third-party-certified in compliance with Standards published by UL Standards & Engagement.
Compliance with safety standards, the enforcement of the law, and public education campaigns from organizations such as the Fire Department of the City of New York and UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute have all contributed to a decline in reported deaths related to lithium-ion battery fires in New York City.
The illustrations below showcase a fictional character named Daniel. Last week, Daniel impulsively bought a lithium-ion battery without doing any research on the proper battery for his model of e-bike and its charging equipment. He didn’t realize that he had purchased an uncertified battery. Daniel, who lives alone, installed the battery in his e-bike and plugged in the charging equipment. He spent a few minutes answering emails on his laptop, then left the room.
About 25 minutes after Daniel had plugged in the charging equipment, the battery entered thermal runaway, causing a fire and creating a dangerous environment. When Daniel heard his smoke alarm, he dialed 911 and exited his home. The fire quickly spread.
Firefighters arrived, extinguished the fire and monitored the situation to ensure that the fire did not reignite. The firefighters called a hazmat team to take the battery for proper disposal because it had been involved in a thermal runaway incident. Fortunately, no one was injured, but there was damage to Daniel’s property. Following this event, Daniel became an enthusiastic advocate for battery safety and fire safety.
Engineers and laboratory technicians at UL Solutions are dedicated to helping prevent the frightening, dangerous scenario that Daniel experienced.
“For micromobility consumers, it is critically important that all their devices, charging equipment and batteries are certified for product safety,” said Dr. Robert Slone, senior vice president and chief scientist and innovation officer at UL Solutions. “Helping manufacturers bring to market innovative products that have met applicable standards — and have earned the UL Mark — is central to UL Solutions’ mission of working for a safer world.”
In recent years, advancements in battery technology have made micromobility products more affordable, more powerful, easier to charge and lighter in weight. These advancements have contributed to the global popularity of e-bikes and other micromobility devices.
A report from Allied Market Research forecasts that the global micromobility market will reach $214.57 billion (USD) by 2030, increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 17.4%.
UL Solutions continues to play a crucial role in the growth of this market. UL Solutions tests and certifies micromobility devices to international, national and regional regulations. UL Solutions’ services include assessing the safety of battery packs and battery management systems to minimize the potential risk of fire, explosion and electric shock during real-world use of e-bikes, e-scooters and other equipment.
To learn more about UL Solutions’ services, visit the Micromobility Device Evaluation, Testing and Certification page.