E-bike fires are becoming a significant concern across the United States as the popularity of these vehicles continues to rise. Reports of battery fires tied to e-bikes, particularly those using non-UL certified lithium-ion batteries, are causing alarm, prompting changes in policy and regulation.
Between January 2021 and November 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported more than 200 incidents related to fires or overheating in micro-mobility devices like e-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards. These incidents, largely tied to faulty or non-UL certified batteries, resulted in at least 19 deaths. In New York City alone, over 130 e-bike fires were reported in 2022, resulting in five fatalities and numerous injuries. The numbers only worsened in 2023, with 268 incidents leading to 18 deaths and 150 injuries. Other cities, including Seattle and Virginia, have also seen an increase in e-bike fire incidents.
Many of these fires can be traced to the use of non-UL certified batteries, which are often found in cheaper or refurbished e-bikes. These batteries do not meet the rigorous safety standards established by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which tests products to ensure they are safe for use. While UL certification is often associated with batteries, it is important to note that the UL standard for e-bikes (UL2849) applies to the entire bike, not just the battery. This means that to ensure full safety compliance, buyers should ask if the bike itself is UL2849 certified. If the seller cannot provide documentation, it is wise to move on and consider a certified product. UL-certified e-bikes undergo testing to ensure the entire system, including the battery, charger, and wiring, meets strict safety requirements, reducing the risk of fire.
To ensure safety, consumers should look for the UL Solutions holographic label, which is found on e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, and similar products. The UL Mark may also appear on the batteries and battery chargers that power these devices. These labels signify that the products have passed rigorous safety tests and have been certified by UL Solutions. Checking for this label is a simple but critical step in ensuring that the e-bike or battery you are purchasing meets safety requirements.
In response to the growing threat, Yale University recently implemented a ban on electric vehicles, including e-bikes and e-scooters, from all residential properties and communal spaces. This decision came just weeks before the start of the fall semester and applies to undergraduate dormitories, courtyards, and other student areas. Yale cited the severe fire hazard these devices pose, particularly in densely populated environments. The only exception to the ban is for mobility devices used by individuals with disabilities.
Yale’s decision reflects a broader trend in the U.S. as more institutions and organizations address the risks associated with e-bike batteries. While lithium-ion batteries are generally safe, they can become dangerous if damaged, improperly handled, or poorly manufactured. Non-UL certified batteries are especially prone to overheating and igniting. In one notable incident in 2022, a fire caused by faulty e-bike batteries at a repair shop in New York City claimed the lives of four people. Such tragedies highlight the importance of adhering to safety standards when purchasing or using e-bikes.
EBAY has also responded to the rising number of e-bike fires by restricting the sale of e-bikes and e-bike batteries on its platform in the UK, effective October 31, 2024. The company will limit listings to “eligible business sellers,” ensuring that only products meeting safety standards are available. This move aligns with efforts in the U.S. to push online marketplaces to take more responsibility for the products they offer. The CPSC has also been active in enforcing safety standards for e-bikes and batteries, but more needs to be done to prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers. If this restriction will move to their US platform remains to be seen.
While some people have started storing their batteries in fire proof bags, most of the incidents occurred while charging. As the U.S. faces increasing incidents of e-bike fires, stricter regulations are becoming necessary. The CPSC is working to enforce safety standards, and local governments, particularly in cities like New York, are drafting legislation to regulate battery safety. Consumers can also play a role by purchasing e-bikes from reputable manufacturers that use UL-certified products. By ensuring that both the bike and its battery comply with UL standards, buyers can significantly reduce the risk of fire. Safe charging practices, such as charging in well-ventilated areas and avoiding overcharging, can further mitigate fire hazards.
The rise in e-bike fires underscores the importance of proper regulation and consumer awareness. E-bikes offer a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to traditional vehicles, but ensuring the safety of these devices is critical. By prioritizing UL certification and following safety guidelines, consumers and sellers can help prevent future incidents and keep e-bikes a viable and safe mode of transportation.
As of 2023, the following e-bike manufacturers produce models that are UL-certified:
- 3T Bicycles: Boost
- Argon18: Dark Matter, Subito E-Gravel, Subito E-Road
- Aventon: Abound, Aventure, Level, Pace, Sinch, Soltera
- Benno: 46er, Boost, Ejoy, Remidemi
- Bianchi: Aria E-Road, E-Impulsivo Road, E-Arcadex, E-Impulsivo Gravel, E-Omia, E-Omnia, E-Vertic, T-Tronik
- Blix: Aveny, Dubbel, Packa, Sol, Ultra, Vika+ (CE Listed)
- BMC: RoadMachine AMP, Fourstroke AMP, 257 AMP
- Buzz: Cerana, Charter, Charter F, Centris
- Cannondale: Synapse Neo, Topstone Neo, Moterra Neo, Treadwell Neo, Adventure Neo, Compact Neo, Tesoro Neo
- Canyon: Grail, Precede, Spectral, Torque
- Co-op Cycles: Generation, CTY
- Dahon: K-One
- De Rosa: E-do, E-Bike
- Devinci: E-Enduro, E-All Mountain, E-Trail, E-Road, E-Urban, E-City
- Diamondback: Union, Response, Current
- Electra: Loft Go, Townie Go, Townie Path Go, Vale Go, Ghost Rider Go, Ace of Spades Go, Navigator Go, Shibori Go, Cruiser Go, Bali Cruiser Go
- Focus: Thron, Jam, Focus SAM, Jarifa, Aventura, Planet
- Fuji: Blackhill EVO, E-Jari, Ambient EVO, Conductor, E-Traverse, Sanibel, E-Crosstown, E-Nevada
- Giant Bicycles: Fastroad E+, Roam E+, Explore E+, Talon E+, Trance X E+, Stance E+, Reign E+
- Gocycle: G4 (CE listed; UL certification pending)
- Ibis: Oso
- Jamis: Hudson E2 (CE Listed)
- Jetson: Bolt, Bolt Pro, Bolt Up, LX10 Folding, Journey, Adventure, Haze Folding, J5, Jetson Axle, J8, Atlas Fat Tire, Arro Folding
- Juiced: RipRacer, Rip Current, CrossCurrent, Hyper Scorpion, Hyper Scrambler, City Scrambler
- Kent: Hybrid, Mountain, Cruiser
- Kinesis: Lyfe, Lyfe Step-Thru, Range Evation (inc. flat bar) Range Ride 50 (inc. flat bar)
- Kona: Remote, El Kahuna, Libre EL, Dew-E, Ecoco, Rove HD, Dew HD, Coco HD
- Lectric: XP, XPedition, XPremium, Electric XP Trike (CE Listed)
- Liv Bicycles: Amity E+, Thrive E+, Rove E+, Embolden E+, Tempt E+, Intrigue E+
- Look: E-765 Gravel/Optimum/Gotham
- Marin: Alpine Trail, Rift Zone, Sausalito, Stinson
- Mokwheel: Basalt, Scoria
- Momentum Bikes: Voya+, Pakyak E+, Vida E+, LaFree E+, Transcend E+
- Murf Electric Bikes: Fat Murf, Alpha Cargo, Alfa Murf, Fat Murf Step-Thru, Higgs, Izzy
- NEXT: Moscow Plus, C5, NCM Aspen, City Robin, Boogie Cruiser, ET Series, M7, C7, Milano, Cobra, Big Dog, Escape, Zebra, Cruiser, EE-Bike T7S
- Niner: RIP, e9, WFO e9, RLT e9 RDO
- Norco: Sight, Fluid, Range, Bigfoot, Charger, Indie, Scene
- Orbea: Gain, Wild, Rise, Urrun, Kemen, Vibe, Optima
- Pacific Cycles: Moove, E-Birdy
- Pedelec: AWDIII, CORE
- Pinarello: Nytro, Nytro Dust
- Rad Power Bikes: RadRover, RadExpand, RoadRunner, RadWagon, RadCity, RadExpand, RadTrike
- Raleigh: Retroglide Royale, Venture
- Retrospec: Koa Rev+, Koa Rev+ Step-Through, Beaumont Rev Electric City Bike, Beaumont Rev Electric City Bike Step-Through, Valen Rev Electric Fat Tire Bike, Valen Rev Electric Fat Tire Bike Step-Through, Chatham Rev Electric Beach Cruiser Bike, Chatham Rev Electric Beach Cruiser Bike Step-Through, Jax Rev Electric Folding Bike
- Ride1Up: Core-5, Roadster, Turris, LMT’D, Cafe Cruiser, 700 Series, Rift, Prodigy, Revv1
- Scott: Patron, Strike, Contessa, Lumen, Aspect, Solace, Addict, Contessa Addict, Sub Cross, Solace Gravel, Contessa Solace Gravel, Sub Active
- Specialized: Haul, Turbo Levo, Turbo Tero, Turbo Tero Step-Thru, Tero Como, Turbo Vedo, Turbo Vedo Step-Thru, Turbo Kenovo, Turbo Creo
- Surly: Skid Loader, Big Easy
- Tern: Quick Haul, NBD, Vektron, HSD, GSD
- Trek Bicycles: Fuel, Rail, Domane+, E-Caliber, Fetch+, Powerfly, Allant+, Townie Path Go!, Vale Go!, Verve+, Ghost Rider Go!, Ace of Spades Go!, Navigator Go!, Townie Go! Step-Thru, Townie Go! Step-Over, FX+, Dual Sport+, Loft Go! Step-Thru, Loft Go! Step-Over, Bali Cruiser Go!, Shibori Cruiser Go!, Kakau Cruiser Go!, Cruiser Go! Step-Over, Cruiser Go! Step-Thru
- VanMoof: S5, A5, S4, X4, S3, V
- Wilier-Triestina: Ultra Hybrid, Filante Hybrid, Cento1 Hybrid, Triestina Hybrid, Jena Hybrid, 101X Hybrid, E903TRN, E830TRB
- Wing: Freedom X, Freedom Fatty 2, Freedom 2, Freedom ST
- Yamaha: CrossCore, CrossConnect, Wabash, UrbanRush, Civante, YDX-Torc, TDX-Moro
- Yeti Cycles: 160E
Disclaimer: While this list is believed to be accurate, always check with the manufacturer to be certain a particular model of E-bike meets the UL standard.
