Lithium-ion batteries in micromobility devices, such as electric bicycles and scooters have caused numerous deadly fires. This is not directly due to their technology, although this can become unstable under some conditions. The immediate cause is poor design and manufacture. We hope that U.S. Bill “Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act” will put a brake on poor standards.
Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act
The Bill has already passed through U.S. Congress, and is now before the Senate for consideration. The proposal, which we link to below, instructs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate a consumer product safety standard.
This document will address rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in micromobility devices and for other purposes, “to protect against the risk of fires caused by such batteries”. Furthermore it will also set standards for “equipment related to or used with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in micromobility devices”.
To complete the picture as envisaged by the “Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act” this equipment will include:
- Battery chargers, charging cables, and external terminals on battery packs.
- External terminals on micromobility devices, and free-standing stations used for recharging.
New York Fire Department Welcomes Progress with Bill
New York Fire Department Commissioner Robert S Tucker issued a statement on the Fire Department website on December 17, 2024. “For the last three years,” he began, “we have been sounding the alarm about the dangers of uncertified lithium-ion batteries.
“We have worked tirelessly to stop the injuries, deaths, and extraordinarily dangerous fires in New York, that have become all too common with these devices.” This announcement followed on Congress approving the bill, and referring it to the Senate that very same day.
Once approved, the bill will allow the Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall unsafe devices, and take action against uncertified batteries entering the United States.
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