E-Bike Battery Safety Measure Clears Senate Hurdle
A measure to prohibit the sale of untested and unsafe lithium-ion batteries that power e-bikes and similar devices is one step closer to becoming law in the United States. The bill, approved by the House in May, has been included in the Senate budget package and is expected to take effect by the end of the year.
Background and Impact
Since 2019, fires caused by highly explosive e-bike batteries have resulted in 929 fires, causing 507 injuries and 33 deaths as of early September. These fires have caused tremendous loss across the country, and federal action is needed to protect consumers and brave firefighters who are on the front lines of preventing these fires.
History of the Bill
U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-The Bronx) sponsored a bill requiring the Consumer Product Safety Commission to regulate the sale of micro-mobility batteries, mandating that any batteries for sale be certified as safe by recognized safety labs such as UL Solutions. New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand co-sponsored the Senate version. The House bill passed in May by a significant bipartisan majority, but got hung up in the Senate due to Sen. Ted Cruz’s (R-Texas) objections over what he asserted was over-regulation. On Tuesday, the Senate passed a budget bill that included the battery safety legislation.
Reaction and Commentary
New York City Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker hailed the expected enactment of the law, stating, "This is incredible news, and we applaud our partners in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate for their strong leadership in passing this critical legislation." Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) championed the Senate approval of the bill, stating, "During late minute negotiations on the end-of-the-year budget, I put the e-bike battery bill into the bill to finally put out the fire from dangerous, China-made lithium-ion batteries."
Conclusion
The passage of this bill marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of American consumers and firefighters. With the expected ratification of the budget bill by Friday, this measure will ensure that lithium-ion batteries and e-mobility products will be safer for consumers and no longer allow dangerous foreign batteries into the United States.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the bill?
A: The bill aims to prohibit the sale of untested and unsafe lithium-ion batteries that power e-bikes and similar devices.
Q: How many fires have been caused by e-bike batteries?
A: Since 2019, fires caused by highly explosive e-bike batteries have resulted in 929 fires, causing 507 injuries and 33 deaths as of early September.
Q: What is the expected impact of the bill?
A: The bill is expected to ensure the safety of American consumers and firefighters, and prevent the sale of dangerous foreign batteries in the United States.
Q: Who sponsored the bill?
A: The bill was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-The Bronx), with New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand co-sponsoring the Senate version.
