# What This Bill Does

This bill tells the Consumer Product Safety Commission (the federal agency that protects consumers from dangerous products) to create safety rules for lithium-ion batteries used in electric scooters and e-bikes. Right now, there are no federal safety standards for these batteries, which means manufacturers can make them however they want. The bill requires the agency to write and enforce new rules specifically designed to prevent fires caused by these batteries, and they have to do it within six months of the bill becoming law.

# Who This Affects and Why It Matters

If you own an e-bike or electric scooter, ride one regularly, or are thinking about buying one, this directly affects you. Lithium-ion battery fires in these devices have become a real problem in cities, especially New York where several lawmakers behind this bill are from. These fires can happen while the device is charging, being used, or even sitting in storage, and they spread quickly and burn hot. The fires have caused injuries, destroyed homes, and even killed people. By setting federal safety standards, the bill aims to make sure batteries are built with better safety features like thermal protection, better insulation, and improved charging systems.

# What Changes

Once the safety standards are in place, manufacturers will have to follow them or face penalties. This means e-bikes and scooters sold in the United States will need to meet these new requirements, which could make them slightly more expensive but significantly safer. The standards will apply to all the different types of lithium-ion batteries used in these devices, giving the safety commission flexibility to address different battery sizes and designs. For consumers, this means more reliable products and reduced risk of dangerous fires in your home or on the street.

Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act

Torres, Ritchie

Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act This bill requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue a consumer product safety standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in micromobility devices, such as electric bicycles and scooters, to protect against the risk of fires.