Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act
House Passes Bill Requiring New Safety Standards for E-Bike and Scooter Batteries to Prevent Fires
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill requires the government to set strict safety rules for the lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes, electric scooters, and other small electric ride-on devices. The goal is to make sure these batteries are built safely so they do not catch fire or explode while charging or in use.
- The Consumer Product Safety Commission has about six months to turn existing industry safety guidelines into official federal laws. This means any company selling these products in the U.S. would have to follow the same high safety standards to protect consumers from dangerous malfunctions.
- The policy focuses on personal electric vehicles that people use for short trips. By making these batteries safer, the government aims to reduce the number of house fires and injuries caused by faulty or low-quality batteries that have become more common as these devices grow in popularity.
- In five years, officials will report back to Congress on whether the new rules are working. They will track which specific battery models are still causing problems and where those batteries were made to help identify and remove dangerous products from store shelves.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Small businesses that manufacture, import, or sell e-bikes, electric scooters, and other light electric vehicles will now need to ensure their products meet mandatory federal safety standards (UL 2271, UL 2849, UL 2272). Companies already following these voluntary industry standards will see little change, but businesses selling cheaper, non-compliant products — often imported — will face compliance costs or be forced off the market. This levels the playing field but raises the bar for entry.
State Impacts
Milestones
Received in the Senate.
The Senate has received the House-passed bill and will decide whether to take it up.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 365 - 42 (Roll no. 103). (text: CR H1637)
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 365 - 42 (Roll no. 103). (text: CR H1637: 1)
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1668)
Vote Results
1 voteOn Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Related News
4 articlesCongress Vote: The House has passed H.R. 973 - Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act
The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 973, requiring the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish final safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in micromobility devices like e-bikes and scooters. The bill passed with a bipartisan 365-42 vote.
Lithium-ion battery fire risks addressed through U.S. House legislation
The U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 973, directing the CPSC to issue mandatory federal safety standards for batteries used in micromobility devices. Fire service leaders praised the move as a critical step in preventing life-threatening thermal runaway incidents.
Lawmakers Push EV Battery Fire Safety Standards
Following House passage of H.R. 1797, the Senate Commerce Committee approved a companion bill mandating the CPSC to implement new safety standards for lithium-ion batteries. The standards aim to reduce risks of fires and explosions in personal e-mobility devices.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(23)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.