Case study

Safety for E-bikes and E-scooters

CHALLENGE:

E-bikes and e-scooters are transforming transportation, becoming a top choice for short commutes, delivery services, and leisurely rides. The popularity of these micromobility devices has surged in recent years, with bike share and scooter share trips in North America rising annually since 2020.

But these vehicles come with a growing safety threat: fires from the batteries that power e-mobility devices are also climbing. E-mobility can revolutionize transportation more sustainably, but only if safety is prioritized.

SOLUTION:

To address such risks, UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) developed several key safety standards, including: UL 2272 for electrical systems for personal e-mobility devices; UL 2849, specifically related to electrical systems for e-bikes; and UL 2271 for batteries for use in Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) applications.

The organization’s work extends beyond developing standards, as raising awareness about how standards fuel safety on the roads is also essential. ULSE is engaging with governments and city agencies to address the hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries in e-mobility devices and demonstrate how standards offer solutions.

IMPACT:

Safety standards for e-mobility and public awareness work together to drive policy changes—encouraging widespread adoption of standards while educating riders about safe battery practices. ULSE’s work has driven legislative action, starting with the passage of New York City’s Local Law 39,, which mandates that e-mobility devices and batteries meet recognized safety standards, transforming standards into tools for protection. ULSE reports that standards’ impact is reflected in early data, which reveal declines in incidents where products certified for compliance with safety standards are used. Following New York City’s examples, cities and states across the country have passed e-mobility safety bills in Georgia, Illinois, and Florida, and other areas.

Standards also drive business value: delivery companies and manufacturers using certified products ultimately improve rider safety while building consumer trust and reducing liability—benefits that scale as e-mobility adoption grows globally.

Sources:

• Harvard Health Publishing
• NABSA Shared Micromobility State of the Industry Reports
• Consumer Product Safety Commission on E-Bikes and E-Scooters
• ULSE: NYC’s New Law on e-Bikes Can Save Lives and Should Be the Model

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