Lithium-Ion Battery Legislation Advances in Congress 

Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act (S.1008 and H.R.1797) would set new safety standards to reduce fire risks from lithium-ion batteries.   

What You Need to Know

The Act would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to set safety standards for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes and scooters within 180 days of the Act’s enactment.   

This new rule aims to reduce the risk of fires from these batteries. Also reducing the risk of serious incidents, like death.   

The CPSC will specify which batteries and devices are covered by these standards, making it a safety rule under the Consumer Product Safety Act.  

If the law is passed, it will create clear safety rules that manufacturers, users, and sellers of micromobility devices must follow.   

This will help standardize safety regulations across different states and cities, which currently have varying rules for lithium-ion batteries.  

How it Impacts You

While this act can improve safety, it also means buildings will have to update their practices to meet new rules.  

Property managers might have to update their safety plans to meet new standards and make sure tenants and visitors know how to properly use and store these devices.   

For example, the devices will need to meet safety standards and be stored in areas that meet fire safety standards.  

Lease agreements and building policies may also need updating to include new safety rules and ensure tenants follow them.   

Buildings with charging stations for e-bikes and e-scooters may need to upgrade to meet new safety standards, which could increase costs.   

The new safety rules for lithium-ion batteries will lower the risk of fires in e-bikes and e-scooters, which could reduce insurance and liability costs for building owners and managers.  

Stay Connected

This bill has passed the House and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It now awaits to be heard on the Senate floor.  

BOMA International leads the advocacy effort for this bill, so please refer to their Policy Brief titled "Battery Fires From Electric Bikes and Scooters" for more information.  

Keep following BOMA on the Frontline for the latest news impacting members.