The number of e-bike docking stations has quadrupled since 2015 ³ making e-bike–sharing services a popular means of transit for gig workers, students, and tourists. On bicycle-friendly universities (BFUs) and colleges across the country, e-bike use has also become increasingly common. Almost 40% of BFUs report the presence of e-bikes on campus, according to a UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) study ⁴. Yet, many lack the infrastructure to safely accommodate them. Only 13% of BFUs have a designated e-bike parking area, and only 11% have an outdoor charging area, as opposed to the approximately 80% of BFUs that have traditional bike parking areas. Furthermore, just 41% of BFUs have implemented e-bike policies addressing e-bike storage, parking, charging, and registration ⁴.

While e-bikes are on the rise in the U.S., e-bike usage in the U.S. significantly lags e-bike usage in the Asia-Pacific region. Asia-Pacific, with China and India at the forefront, dominates the global market and outpaces predicted sales for e-bikes in multiple markets ⁵, ⁶. Rapid urbanization, city expansion, environmental sustainability, and worsening traffic congestion have driven the growth of this market, making e-bikes a popular alternative to traditional scooters and cars with greater flexibility. In addition, several Asian countries have implemented policies to promote e-mobility ². Moreover, some countries including China have slowly attempted to regulate e-bike use based on government standards ⁷.

In another recent study, ULSE found that 50% of consumers admit they know nothing about lithium-ion batteries and their associated risk of thermal runaway ⁸. Additionally, approximately 11% of Bicycle Friendly Universities (BFUs) have reported documented Li-ion battery-related incidents ⁴. While that may seem like a small percentage, the severity of these incidents make it a serious concern. To reduce risk, campuses and consumers should prioritize safe charging practices to avoid overcharging. This can include only using compatible chargers, not blocking exits while charging indoors, never leaving a charging bike unattended, not charging overnight while sleeping, having any battery damage inspected for safety, and ensuring that charging facilities are designed to handle the current draw on the circuitry.

College campuses vary in how they implement guidelines for safe e-bike usage, support, and regulation. Common issues include:

• Inadequate e-bike parking, which can lead to bikes being stored indoors
• Insufficient charging infrastructure for safe, convenient charging circuitry
• Inadequate safety education for students, faculty, and staff
• Gaps in safety measures to mitigate risks linked to lithium-ion battery incidents

In addition to these issues, one of the most prominent risks both on campus and elsewhere, comes from using replacement batteries that do not conform to manufacturer standards. Replacing batteries is necessary, and nearly half (48%) of e-bike owners have replaced old batteries ⁹. However, using cheaper, subpar batteries can significantly increase the chances of thermal runaway ¹⁰.

Despite the safety concerns discussed above, the low weight and high energy storage capacity makes Li-ion powered e-bikes an ideal choice for quick travel. Yet, safety issues are global, and they are magnified for countries in Asia-Pacific, where the use of e-bikes is growing exponentially.  Regardless of their popularity, rechargeable vehicles are limited by an inadequate charging infrastructure in the U.S. and in Asia ².  In Asia-Pacific, where e-bike use is growing rapidly, fires linked to lithium-ion batteries are more common due to high population density, heavy reliance on e-mobility, and inadequate charging infrastructure ², ¹¹, ¹⁰, ¹². Regulation and ensuring that electrical systems are certified to ULSE standards can help mitigate risks, whether in the U.S., in Asia – Pacific, or beyond.

Members of the technical committee (TC) for UL 2849 include representatives from UL Solutions, ULSE, a variety of regulatory and professional organizations, and businesses with a vested interest in e-bike manufacturing, including manufacturers and companies that support the e-bike supply chain. ULSE works to maintain a balance of professional expertise on its TCs to help ensure consensus and to prevent any one group from having a majority representation.

Some standards are developed after a safety issue is widely acknowledged. For example, UL 2271, the standard for Batteries for Use in Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) Applications and 2272, the standard for Electrical Systems for Personal E-Mobility Devices, were initiated after deadly fires that gained national attention. However, the first edition of UL 2849 was published in January 2020, even though e-bike fires were not as prevalent in the news as hoverboard and e-scooter fires. And although e-bike fires were not the impetus, many consumers have benefited from the proactive measures and use of the standard in manufacturing. Development of the standard is ongoing. The technical committee has convened at least three times, with the last occurrence in 2021, and revisions published in December 2022. But more recently, in 2023, a task group was created to strengthen the requirements of the standard due to several e-bike fire incidents and the passing of new legislation in New York City. Based on these details, and to keep up with evolving e-bike technology, ULSE is currently in the process of preparing a ballot cycle to update UL 2849. Approximately, 15 recent proposals were prepared to address changes to the standard, and included modifications such as the following:

• Performing tests on safety issues such as a single cell failure design tolerance
• Revising and clarifying current criteria for the overcurrent protective device acceptance, pedal cessation, cutoff at maximum speed, charger input and insulation tests
• Revising and clarifying safety requirements on battery approval, battery compartment, motors in hazardous voltage, charger, and temperature limitation
• Adding reference to previous relevant standards such as UL 4900, the Standard for Micromobility Charging Equipment

An updated edition to the standard will be published at the completion of the ballot cycle when members of the technical committee weigh in and share their expertise concerning the proposed additions after a preliminary review, modifications, and recirculation.

Nationally, the National Bicycle Dealers Association advises all vendors and suppliers to sell UL 2849-certified e-bikes ¹⁵, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) adopted UL 2849 for micromobility and e-bikes in the workplace under the National Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) ¹⁵. Federal support and protections are potentially close through the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act (S.389 H.R.973) — bipartisan legislation that would mandate consumer safety standards for Li-ion batteries used in e-mobility devices and ensure uncertified e-mobility batteries are off the market and out of homes ¹³. This legislation has the potential to reduce fires caused by non-UL certified batteries and maintain consumer access to e-bikes. Other cities with policies concerning lithium-ion batteries and e-mobility engagement with UL 2849 include San Francisco, Chicago, Jersey City, Hoboken, Camden, Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Washington, and La Mes.

As e-bikes continue to rise in popularity, additional care will need to be taken near and far. For example, some replacement batteries and replacement chargers used with e-bikes can pose an additional risk of thermal runaway because they may not be certified to standards or compatible with the original battery. Consumers should always use manufacturer-approved replacement batteries, chargers, adapters, and accessories to prevent this risk, and retailers should practice due diligence in only stocking and selling equipment that is certified and manufacturer approved. Policymakers can also look to NYC as a model and propose similar legislation to help protect citizens from the hazards of non-certified e-bikes and components.

Lastly, ULSE’s Global Standards Team works to see standards adopted globally. Currently, UL 2849 is influencing global markets, especially in Asia-Pacific where some countries are working to regulate e-bike safety.