Heybike Batteries and Ebikes: Safe to Ride with UL 2849 Standard

Like many other everyday household devices like mobile phones, laptops, and electric toothbrushes, e-bikes run on lithium batteries. E-bike batteries can occasionally overheat and even catch fire. E-bike batteries that are damaged, inadequately charged, or improperly stored may experience this. Although e-bike batteries are not intrinsically dangerous, it is crucial to abide by any guidelines provided by the e-bike's manufacturer. Fewer than 15% of e-bikes sold in the US, according to some estimates, have UL certification.

What is UL 2849 Certification?

The gold standard of safety compliance is UL certification. Products undergo a thorough testing and evaluation process to guarantee that products satisfy the requirements for electric bike battery fire safety, including battery functionality.
Consumers can verify the safety of the electrical and battery components by looking for UL certification. This certification evaluates the electrical drive train system, battery, and charger and helps reduce fire risk.

With the passage of this new legislation, businesses selling, leasing, or distributing micro-mobility products like e-scooters or e-bikes will have until September 16, 2023, to receive certification from UL Solutions or another National Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) to:

Any powered bicycle that is sold, distributed, leased, or rented in New York City must have an electrical system that complies with UL 2849, the Standard for Electrical Systems for e-bikes.

Why are E-bike Batteries Catching Fire?

We continue to receive numerous complaints of house fires started by e-bikes even though the majority of these vehicles have undergone safety testing and have parts that have been approved. There were nearly 200 reported e-bike fires in New York City alone, according to a 2022 article by The Guardian.

But why does this still occur despite all the testing and certifications?

Defective Batteries

The technology that drives all contemporary products is the battery, and the lithium inside these batteries produces the best amount of power. For instance, we can now obtain little smartwatches that last for many days due to Li-ion and LiPo batteries, and our smartphones can now last for one or two days despite being more powerful than ever.

However, due to lithium's high reactivity, any damage could result in a thermal runaway by causing a short circuit and excessive heat. And when that occurs, the battery will blow up and catch fire. Additionally, lithium reacts with water drenching a burning lithium battery will not put it out; instead, it would make it burn more intensely.

Fake Parts

Even if a battery is not damaged, it can still start a fire if it is fake. It is because fake batteries frequently do not undergo thorough inspections and may even be incompatible with the charger for your e-bike.

It is crucial to avoid purchasing fake batteries to ensure that you only receive the highest-quality batteries that have undergone extensive testing and certification.

Poor Quality Batteries

One of the primary causes of battery failure continues to be the use of poor-quality batteries and manufacturing flaws. Many trustworthy companies ensure that their products come with genuine products.

Manufacturers and certifying organizations have created preventative measures to prevent battery explosions. Some small manufacturers may avoid these safety regulations that result in fire.

Are Heybike Batteries UL 2849 Certified?

Heybike's electric bikes, including the Tyson, Ranger, Brawn, Cityrun, and Ranger models, have met the UL 2849 standard as confirmed by TUV Rheinland in the US and Canada. This assure you that Heybike batteries meet the highest standards for quality and safety.

Heybike has an excellent article on battery safety that covers all the fundamentals of charging and caring for your e-bike battery, reducing fire risks, and extending battery life.

Are Heybike Batteries and E-bikes Safe Ride?

The safety requirement is crucial because of the alarming increase in e-bike battery fires. Poor quality e-bike batteries are the main reason for battery fires. And regrettably, the majority of e-bike manufacturers in the US do not include UL-certified battery packs in their bikes. Heybike has always adhered to stringent safety regulations, and the official TUV certification is yet another illustration of its dedication to giving riders the highest quality in terms of product performance and safety.

Summing

In the US, e-bike use is growing, and ownership is increasing. There will probably be an increased push for additional state and federal regulation now that New York City has banned e-bikes and batteries that are not UL approved. We are glad to see e-bike users seeking UL certification for their e-bikes and we hope manufacturers adopt UL or similar safety requirements in the future.

With Heybike, you can confirm that your model is covered. Heybike batteries meet your highest standards for quality and safety!