NY state now requires all eBikes to have UL certified batteries...

[myers830]

Legislation S.154F/A.4938-D prohibits the sale of lithium-ion batteries used in micro-mobility devices, bicycles with electric assist or mopeds unless such batteries are manufactured in accordance with certain standards and specifications. Legislation S.154F/A.4938-D provides a civil penalty and authorizes district attorneys, county attorneys, and corporation counsel to have concurrent authority to seek the relief.

I know the new 2024 models of Lectric eBikes have the proper UL certifications. Not sure about the older units. Of course everything is fine as long as your eBike doesn't start on fire and cause personal or property damage. However starting now in NY state if such an occurrence happens you and the company (lectric for example) can be sued for any damages. There have been a ton of eBike fires in NY state due to non-certified Lithium Ion batteries in eBikes, so something had to give. Its good that Lectric has recognized the need to certify their batteries, however there are a lot of eBikes in NY state bought online that have caused a lot of problems.

 

[Tom@WashDC]

Legislation S.154F/A.4938-D prohibits the sale of lithium-ion batteries used in micro-mobility devices, bicycles with electric assist or mopeds unless such batteries are manufactured in accordance with certain standards and specifications. Legislation S.154F/A.4938-D provides a civil penalty and authorizes district

Pretty comprehensive. It also covers all those jinky bike stores that "assemble, recondition, sell or offer for sale, lease, or rent a lithium-ion battery or a second-use lithium-ion battery".

The cost for batteries for all those ebike delivery guys in NYC just doubled, or tipled.

 

[Roamers]

Are existing "non-certified" batteries excluded?

 

[Tom@WashDC]

Are existing "non-certified" batteries excluded?

Looks like commercial etsablishemnts may not sell rebuilt or reconditioned batteries that do not meet the legislative standard.

 

[Roamers]

Be interesting to see what insurance implications might be for existing uncertified batteries that cause fire damage now that law is in place.

 

[arcom]

Next comes the eBay "UL Certified" stickers.

 

[myers830]

Next comes the eBay "UL Certified" stickers.

I think that this is more of a warning to eBike manufacturers (and not unsuspecting buyers)..."if one of your eBikes causes personal or property damage due to a battery fire...,you will pay a hefty penalty and be prosecuted for all damages". I can't imagine the cops are going to stop and check eBikes for whether they are in compliance by having the rider remove the battery. However its good to know at least NY has recognized the problem (mostly in NYC), and is trying to force the manufacturers to realize they are now ripe for possible litigation. I have contacted Lectric because I am sure my XP Lite 1,0 is not compliant, but have not received any replies.

 

[Tom@WashDC]

I think that this is more of a warning to eBike manufacturers (and not unsuspecting buyers)..."if one of your eBikes causes personal or property damage due to a battery fire...,you will pay a hefty penalty and be prosecuted for all damages". I can't imagine the cops are going to stop and check eBikes for whether they are in compliance by having the rider remove the battery. However its good to know at least NY has recognized the problem (mostly in NYC), and is trying to force the manufacturers to realize they are now ripe for possible litigation. I have contacted Lectric because I am sure my XP Lite 1,0 is not compliant, but have not received any replies.

And local bike stores. I saw a lot of shady stores in NYC selling refurbished sketchy batteries.