Safety Standard for Lithium-Ion Batteries Used in Micromobility Products and Electrical Systems of Micromobility Products Containing Such Batteries
Key claim: The CPSC proposes mandatory safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in micromobility products to reduce fire, explosion, and injury risks from thermal runaway.
Abstract
(Proposed Rule · Consumer Product Safety Commission) The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issues this notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) to address the unreasonable risk of death and injury associated with lithium-ion batteries used in micromobility products due to hazards such as thermal runaway of lithium cells, which can lead to fires, explosions, gas releases, burns, overheating, and smoke inhalation. The NPR proposes that electrical systems using lithium-ion batteries in micromobility products comply with applicable voluntary standards, with modifications. Because some micromobility products are children’s products requiring third party testing, the NPR also proposes to add this rule to the list of rules that require such testing.
Why this matters
Lithium-ion battery fires in e-bikes and e-scooters have caused a rising toll of urban fires and injuries, yet safety of these products has been governed only by voluntary standards. A federal mandatory rule from CPSC would be the first binding baseline for micromobility battery systems sold in the U.S., with practical effects on manufacturers, importers, and third-party testing infrastructure.