The U.S. Senate passed a bill prohibiting the sale of untested, unsafe lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes and similar devices, with the law expected to go into effect by the end of the year. The bill was initially held up by Sen. Ted Cruz but was later approved with support from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. The legislation aims to address the dangers posed by explosive e-bike batteries, which have caused fires, injuries, and deaths. The bill requires batteries to be certified as safe by recognized safety labs and is seen as a crucial step in protecting consumers and firefighters.
The U.S. Senate recently passed a crucial measure that would prohibit retailers, including online platforms like Amazon, from selling untested and unsafe lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and similar devices. This legislation, which had already been approved by the House in May, aims to address the growing safety concerns associated with these batteries.
The bill had faced opposition from Senator Ted Cruz, who had initially blocked its progress as a protest against what he perceived as excessive regulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. However, following negotiations, the bill has now been passed by the Senate, setting the stage for it to become law by the end of the year.
The need for such legislation is underscored by the alarming statistics related to fires caused by faulty e-bike batteries. Since 2019, these incidents have led to 929 fires, resulting in 507 injuries and 33 fatalities. The potential risks posed by these batteries have prompted urgent calls for tighter regulations to protect consumers and prevent further tragedies.
New York City Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker has welcomed the impending enactment of the law, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of lithium-ion batteries in e-mobility products. Senator Chuck Schumer played a pivotal role in advancing the bill, highlighting the urgent need to address the dangers posed by uncertified batteries, particularly those originating from overseas, such as China.
The legislation, which was spearheaded by U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres and co-sponsored by Senators Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, mandates that all micro-mobility batteries must be certified as safe by recognized safety labs like UL Solutions before they can be sold. This requirement is aimed at enhancing consumer protection and preventing the entry of hazardous foreign batteries into the U.S. market.
The passage of this bill represents a significant step towards improving the safety of lithium-ion batteries and e-mobility products for American consumers. By imposing stricter regulations on the sale and distribution of these batteries, the legislation seeks to mitigate the risks of fires and injuries associated with their use.
Overall, the enactment of this law is a crucial development in safeguarding public safety and ensuring that e-bikes and similar devices powered by lithium-ion batteries meet stringent safety standards. With bipartisan support and a strong push for enhanced consumer protection, the U.S. government is taking proactive measures to address the potential hazards posed by untested and unsafe batteries in the marketplace.
Source: TheCity.NYC
