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May 24, 2024
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The House of Representatives passed H.R. 1797 with strong bipartisan support. It grants the CPSC authority to establish new standards for li-ion batteries.
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that sets minimum safety standards for the lithium-ion batteries used in mobility devices such as e-bikes. H.R. 1797, known as Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act, passed with significant bipartisan support in a vote of 378-34. The bill was introduced in 2023 by New York Rep. Ritchie Torres and was endorsed by New York Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand.
The bill now goes to the Senate for approval.
H.R. 1797 would give the Consumer Product Safety Commission the express authority to set a standard for quality in lithium-ion batteries used in e-mobility devices. The standard would cover batteries, as well as chargers, cables, connectors and even charging stations.
“We need coordinated federal leadership to mitigate the threat that unregulated and untested lithium-ion batteries pose to individual consumers and communities across America,” said Matt Moore, PeopleForBikes policy counsel. “The Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act is a necessary first step towards a safer e-mobility future. We’re proud supporters of the bill and look forward to working with the sponsors in moving it through the Senate, to the president’s desk, and on to the CPSC to implement.”
Considering the widespread bipartisan support the bill received in the House, smooth passage through the Senate seems possible, and if that happens, a signature by President Biden shouldn’t be a stretch. This is an issue that concerns everyone, whether they ride e-bikes or not.
If passed, the law will place the establishment of the standard in the hands of the CPSC. This puts the proper authority—a scientific body—in control of its administration.
Should the law pass, the combination of it plus the ever-increasing number of manufacturers seeking UL certification for their e-bikes and other e-mobility devices will usher in a new, safer era for e-bikes.
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