The new Outside+ app is now available for iOS device users who are members, and it comes at a time when e-bike legislation is gaining attention. The article highlights the growing concern over e-bike safety, particularly regarding lithium battery fires, which have been a problem in cities like New York. This has led to a push for legislation to create federal standards for e-bike batteries, motors, and chargers.
Surprisingly, despite the current political climate, there is bipartisan support in Congress for regulating e-bike batteries. The bill, known as H.R. 1797 or the “Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act,” has received unanimous approval from the House’s Energy and Commerce Committee and is expected to pass through the House of Representatives. It will then need to go through the U.S. Senate and be signed by the President to become law.
There is a consensus among manufacturers, legislators, and advocates that national standards for e-bike components would be beneficial. A federal mandate would streamline the import and sales process and prevent the distribution of low-quality e-bikes. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Commissioner, Mary T. Boyle, supports a clear national standard, but until now, the CPSC lacked the authority to enforce such regulations quickly. The bill, if passed, could accelerate the establishment of federal safety standards for e-bikes.
The article suggests that adopting standards similar to those proposed in New York City, such as the UL 2849 standard for e-bike components, could be a way forward. This would subject batteries, chargers, and motors to rigorous testing, though it’s not a guarantee of safety. The outcome of the CPSC’s actions is still uncertain, but the proposed bill represents a positive step towards safer e-bikes. The author encourages U.S. residents to share their opinions on the bill with their local congressperson.
Finally, the article briefly touches on the topic of urbanism, which is the study of how people interact with their urban environments. The author, who has a background in tech editing, transportation, city planning, and engineering, shares insights on urban biking and cycling infrastructure.
Key Takeaways:
- Legislation is being considered to create federal standards for e-bike batteries, motors, and chargers in the United States.
- The proposed bill has bipartisan support and aims to empower the Consumer Product Safety Commission to regulate e-bike components.
- There is widespread agreement among manufacturers, legislators, and advocates on the need for regulation of e-bike safety standards.
“A national standard is in the best interest of everyone,” said CPSC Commissioner Mary T. Boyle at the 2023 Shift E-Bike Conference. “Most industry players want to do the right thing. Let’s put in something clear everyone can follow.”
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