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

Like many other everyday household devices like mobile phones, laptops, and electric toothbrushes, Ebikes run on lithium batteries. Ebike batteries can occasionally overheat and even catch fire. Ebike batteries that are damaged, inadequately charged, or improperly stored may experience this. Although Ebike batteries are not intrinsically dangerous, it is crucial to abide by any guidelines provided by the Ebike's manufacturer. Fewer than 15% of Ebikes 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 Ebikes 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 Ebikes.

Why do Ebike Batteries Catch Fire?

We continue to receive numerous concerns regarding house fires started by Ebikes even though the majority of these vehicles have undergone safety testing and have safety-approved parts. There were nearly 200 reported Ebike 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, a chemical reaction can occur within the battery and it can catch fire. Additionally, lithium is highly reactive with water and pouring water onto a burning lithium battery will not put it out; rather, it would cause it to burn more intensely.

Fake Parts

Even if a battery is not damaged, it can still start a fire if it is fake. This is because fake batteries do not typically undergo thorough inspections and may even be incompatible with the charger for your Ebike.

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 adverse battery reactions. Some small manufacturers may avoid these safety regulations that result in fire.

Are Heybike Batteries UL 2849 Certified?

Heybike electric bikes, including the Tyson, Ranger S, Brawn, Cityrun, all meet the UL 2849 standard as confirmed by TUV Rheinland in the USA and Canada. These standards help to assure you that Heybike batteries meet the highest standards available for quality and safety.

Are Heybike Ebikes and Ebikes Safe to Ride?

Safety standards are 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 and will continue to adhere to stringent safety regulations and standards set by the official TUV certification. This way, we can continue to provide riders with the highest quality in terms of product performance and safety.

Conclusion

In the US, Ebike 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 Ebikes and batteries that are not UL approved. We are glad to see Ebike users seeking UL certification for their Ebikes and we hope manufacturers adopt UL or similar safety requirements in the future.

With Heybike, you can ride in comfort knowing that your model is covered. Heybike batteries meet the highest standards for quality and safety!