With new regulations on batteries and certification Velec confirms that all models are UL-certified according with UL-2849 rules.
Testing to e-bike Standard UL 2849
Investigating potential hazards is a fundamental part of building consumer trust and protecting brand reputation. With that said, new strategies and protective circuitry will be required for safe operation as e-bike technology evolves.
To help assess the safety of e-bikes and electrically power-assisted cycles (EPACs), we involved industry leaders in developing next-generation e-bike safety requirements for UL 2849, the Standard for Electrical Systems for eBikes. This Standard offers electrical and fire safety certification by examining e-bikes’ electrical drive train system, battery system and charger system combinations.
UL 2849 covers:
- e-Bikes (typically sit-to-operate and over-the-road use) and pedal-assisted electric (pedelec) cycles
- The risk of electric shock during charging over the life of the product, as well as other potential electrocution hazards
The Standard does not evaluate for the operator’s ability to maintain control while riding.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Micro-mobility 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. Click here to access the release from CPSC.
New York City Council’s law on micro-mobility devices and batteries
In a move to strengthen fire safety of e-bikes, e-scooters, and the lithium-ion batteries that power such devices, the New York City Council has passed a new law on Mar 2, 2023, mandating e-bikes, e-scooters, e-mobility devices, and light electric vehicle (EV) battery packs to be 3rd party certified to:
- UL 2849, the Standard for Electrical Systems for eBikes
- UL 2272, the Standard for Electrical Systems in Personal E-Mobility Devices
- UL 2271, the Standard for Batteries for Use In Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) Applications
This will take effect from August 29, 2023, which means that the distribution, sale, lease or rental of micromobility devices or batteries that have not been certified to the applicable UL safety standards by an accredited testing laboratory will be prohibited.
The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) statement to retailers and industry on UL 2849 certification
The NBDA has been educating retailers and the industry at large about the growing safety concerns inherent in the surge in consumer purchases of electric bicycles and scooters that utilize lithium-ion batteries as the power source for electric propulsion systems.
On July 15, 2022, the NBDA advises all retailers to encourage their vendors and suppliers to certify their e-bikes or e-bike systems installed on e-bikes to UL 2849. They will provide retailers a letter to send to their e-bike suppliers notifying them of this request for certification to UL 2849.
“The bicycle industry needs to take immediate action. After extensive consultations with experts in the field, e-bike and e-scooter lithium-ion battery safety is a large and immediate subject that we need to act on now. The advisement statement we have prepared for retailers takes the interest of e-bike continued growth within the industry and safety for all. If we do not address the core issue, we may see this propel to something beyond our control,” Heather Mason, president
