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E-bike battery laws
Where certified batteries are required, what each rule covers, and when it takes effect.
Battery laws and rules
| Where | Law | Status | Effective | What it requires | Applies to | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | Local Law 39 of 2023 | In force | 2023-09-16 | E-bikes must be certified to UL 2849, other powered mobility devices to UL 2272, and their batteries to UL 2271, to be sold, leased or rented. | Sellers, rental and lease companies | Up to $1,000 per repeat violation within 2 years |
| California | SB 1271 (2024) | In force | 2026-01-01 | E-bikes, powered mobility devices and their batteries must be tested by an accredited lab to UL 2849, EN 15194 or a State Fire Marshal standard (batteries: UL 2271) before sale. | Anyone selling or distributing in California | Civil penalties |
| California | SB 1271 rentals | Upcoming | 2028-01-01 | Certification requirement extends to e-bike and device rentals. | Rental operators | – |
| California | SB 501 (2025–26) | Signed | 2026-09-20 | Adds medium-format batteries (over 11 lb or 300 Wh, up to 25 lb or 2,000 Wh), which covers most e-bike packs, to the battery stewardship and collection program. | Producers, retailers with 5+ CA locations | – |
| United States | CPSC proposed rule, docket CPSC-2025-0012 | Proposed | 2026-06-24 | Would make UL 2849, UL 2271 and UL 2272 safety requirements mandatory for micromobility lithium-ion batteries and electrical systems. | Manufacturers, importers | Federal enforcement if finalized |
| United States | 49 CFR 173.185 | In force | – | Shipping rules for lithium cells and batteries: UN 38.3 testing, packaging, labels and state of charge limits. | Anyone shipping batteries | PHMSA civil penalties |
| European Union | Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 | Phasing in | 2027-02-18 | Digital battery passport required for EV, light means of transport (LMT, including e-bikes) and industrial batteries over 2 kWh. | Producers placing batteries on the EU market | Member state penalties |
Safety standards explained
Certification standards
| Standard | What it covers | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| UL 2849 | Electrical system of an e-bike (battery, charger, motor, controller tested together) | E-bikes |
| UL 2271 | Batteries for light electric vehicles | E-bike, scooter and other LEV batteries |
| UL 2272 | Electrical systems for personal e-mobility devices | Scooters, hoverboards, unicycles |
| EN 15194 | European e-bike (EPAC) standard, references EN 50604-1 for batteries | E-bikes sold in Europe |
| UN 38.3 | Transport tests for lithium batteries | Any lithium battery that ships |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between UL 2849 and UL 2271?
UL 2271 certifies the battery pack alone. UL 2849 certifies the whole e-bike electrical system: battery, charger, motor and controller tested as a set.
Do I need a UL certified battery to ride?
The laws target sellers, renters and distributors, not riders. But some landlords, insurers and buildings require certified batteries, and certified packs are much less likely to catch fire.
Can I sell a used e-bike battery in California?
SB 1271 covers selling and distributing e-bike batteries in California, so uncertified packs are risky to sell. Check the law text or a compliance advisor before selling.