Ul Certification: Electric Bikes And Their Safety Standards

UL 2849 certification is a way for consumers to know that their e-bike's battery and electrical components are safe. This certification helps to minimise fire risk and includes a review of the electrical drive train system, battery, and charger. UL 2849 certification is not a full evaluation of the bike, but rather an endorsement of safety on the electrical aspects. There are currently no national regulations around requirements for UL certification for e-bikes in the US, but places such as New York City now require UL certification.

UL 2849 certification

The certification is designed to help build consumer trust and protect brand reputation. It is also recognised by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) standard.

In December 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) called on manufacturers, retailers, importers, and distributors of micromobility devices to comply with established UL safety standards, including UL 2849.

As of March 2023, the New York City Council passed Initiative 663-A, mandating that e-bikes, e-scooters, e-mobility devices, and light electric vehicle (EV) battery packs must be third-party certified. Any company selling, leasing, or distributing micromobility devices such as e-bikes has until September 16, 2023, to obtain UL 2849 certification for the electrical system of any powered bicycle sold, distributed, leased, or rented in New York City.

UL 2272 certification

Electric bikes are UL certified. UL 2272 is the Standard for Electrical Systems for Personal E-Mobility Devices, which includes e-bikes. UL 2272 certification ensures that the electrical systems of e-bikes are safe and meet the required standards. This certification is important for minimizing fire risk and protecting consumers from potential hazards. It includes a review of the electrical drive train system, battery, and charger.

The UL 2272 standard is designed to protect consumers and build trust in the e-bike industry. It is important for e-bike manufacturers, retailers, importers, and distributors to comply with this standard to ensure the safety of their products and protect their brand reputation. UL 2272 certification provides consumers with peace of mind and helps them make informed decisions when purchasing or using e-bikes.

In addition to UL 2272, there are other UL standards relevant to e-bikes, such as UL 2849, which specifically addresses the electrical systems for e-bikes. UL 2849 provides fire safety certification and examines the electrical drive train, battery, and charger system combinations in e-bikes. This standard is also recognized by OSHA and is mandated by the New York City Council for e-bikes sold, distributed, leased, or rented in the city.

UL 2271 certification

Electric bikes are required to have UL 2271 certification, which is the Standard for Batteries for Use in Light Electric Vehicle Applications. This certification is for any storage battery for a powered bicycle or mobility device sold, distributed, leased or rented in New York City.

UL Solutions is recognised by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as a Nationally Recognised Testing Laboratory (NRTL) to certify micromobility products to UL 2849, the Standard for Electrical Systems for eBikes.

UL Solutions

UL 2849 certification is not a full evaluation of the bike, but rather an endorsement of safety on the electrical aspects. It does not cover the roadworthiness of the e-bike.

Any company selling, leasing or distributing micromobility devices, such as e-bikes, has until 16 September 2023 to obtain UL 2849 certification for the electrical system of any powered bicycle sold, distributed, leased, or rented in New York City.

Fire safety

Electric bikes can be UL certified. UL 2849 is the Standard for Electrical Systems for eBikes, which provides fire safety certification by examining the electrical drive train, battery, and charger system combinations in e-bikes. This certification helps minimise fire risk.

UL 2849 certification does not comment on the roadworthiness of the e-bike, but rather provides an endorsement of safety on the electrical aspects.

UL Solutions is recognised by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as a Nationally Recognised Testing Laboratory (NRTL) to certify micromobility products to UL 2849.

As e-bike technology evolves, new strategies and protective circuitry will be required for safe operation.

Frequently asked questions