Do You Guys Consider UL Certification When Choosing E-Bikes or Batteries?

[Momo]

Hey everyone,

I recently came across an interesting blog post explaining the difference between UL 2849 and UL 2271 certifications for e-bikes and their battery systems:
What Is the Difference Between UL 2849 and UL 2271?
It got me thinking — how much do you actually factor in UL certification when shopping for an e-bike, especially hunting e-bikes or high-performance fat tire models?
The article breaks it down nicely:

• UL 2849 focuses on the entire e-bike electrical system (motor, controller, wiring, etc.)
• UL 2271 specifically certifies the battery pack for safety and performance
• Both are becoming more recognized as standards for safety, especially with the rise in battery-related incidents

For those of you using e-bikes in the field — whether for hunting, trail riding, or hauling gear — do you look for UL-listed models when buying? Or do you mainly go by brand reputation, specs, and features?

I know some local jurisdictions are starting to regulate around UL compliance, so I’m wondering if this will become a must-have in the near future.

Would love to hear your thoughts

 

[Chazmo]

I’d be more concerned with the history/support of the bike manufacturer.

I will only say that the batteries from my bike’s manufacturer were on the forefront of UL certification, but I have no faith in the certification itself as I’ve had serious problems with the manufacturer’s batteries including a battery fire which (though partly my fault for removing fenders) was caused by exposed ports on the battery (their fault).

 

[6zfshdb]

Some of the batteries I have are labeled UL, most are not. UL Certification is too easy to spoof. I spend a bit more and deal only with trusted manufacturers who construct batteries with quality cells & components.

 

[stompandgo]

I also targeted well known brands, because they are well established, sell world wide, and are owned by large corporations with armies of lawyers who want them properly certified in order to save their butts if there's a recall. I did check the cert level before buying my bike. I also checked the recall list. Mine had one, but it was non-electrical, and was rectified during the shop build.

I agree that as regulation escalates in the US, that the low end, with their proprietary internal batteries, are going to have the most problems dealing with this.

 

[Biplaneguy]

UL certification was a factor in choosing my new Radster Trail, but not the only factor, and lack of said certification wouldn't have been a deal breaker. But choosing to get their bikes certified is indicative of the overall level of care that a reputable manufacturer puts into the design and production of their product.

 

[Roamers]

I have always been an advocate for UL standards, never crossed my mind when we were buying in 2020. After all it's a bike not an electrical component . . . Ooops! We only looked at what I consider the big boys though (Trek, Specialized, Gazelle).

UL certification is one of the reasons I buy very little from China. In some cases I'll buy CE listed w/o UL; real CE, not Chinese copy.

 

[stompandgo]

In some cases I'll buy CE listed w/o UL; real CE, not Chinese copy.

Federal Pacific