Micromobility Devices and Batteries

With the safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries and the micromobility devices that use them, it's crucial that retailers and consumers both follow City law about the sale and storage of these items.

See the dropdown menu below to learn more about safety regulations for both retailers and consumers.

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Micromobility Device and Battery Definitions

A motorized scooter is any device that has wheels and handlebars, is designed for an operator to sit or stand on, and is powered by an electric or gasoline motor. Exception: A motorized scooter is not a device that can be registered with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV), a personal mobility device designed for persons with disabilities, a powered bicycle (see below), or an e-scooter that weighs less than 100 pounds and has a maximum speed of 20 mph.

A powered bicycle (e-bike) is a bicycle with an electric assist that is less than or equal to 36 inches wide, an electric motor of less than 750 watts, and a maximum speed of 25 mph. Exception: A powered bicycle is not a device that can be registered with NYS DMV or a personal mobility device designed for persons with disabilities.

A powered mobility device is any personal mobility device that is powered by a lithium-ion or other storage battery. Examples include e-scooters, hoverboards, segways, e-uniwheels, and e-skateboards. Exception: A powered mobility device is not a device that can be registered with NYS DMV, a personal mobility device designed for persons with disabilities, or a powered bicycle (see above).

A storage battery is a lithium-ion battery or other rechargeable storage battery used to power micromobility devices.

Safety Tips to Prevent Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries found in electric bikes and scooters, cars, laptops, tablets, phones and common household devices.

Lithium-ion battery fires have caused deaths, serious injuries and devastating damage to property around the city. It’s important to follow proper storage, charging, and disposal guidelines for these types of batteries.

Learn how to properly charge, store, or dispose of lithium-ion batteries by visiting nyc.gov/fdny/batteries.

Read DCWP/FDNY Battery Safety Information in:
English
Español (Spanish)
العربية (Arabic)
বাংলা (Bengali)
中文 - 简化字 (Chinese - Simplified)
中文 - 繁體字 (Chinese - Traditional)
Français (French)
Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole)
한국어 (Korean)
Język Polski (Polish)
Русский (Russian)
ردو (Urdu)

Accredited Testing Laboratory List

DCWP compiled a list of laboratories that meet the definition of an “accredited testing laboratory” and are known to test micromobility devices and batteries to the relevant Underwriters Laboratories (UL) safety standards. Note: The list should not be considered a complete listing.

Download the list of labs and their logos.

Businesses: Safety Certifications and Disclosures

Does your business distribute, sell, lease, or rent powered bicycles, powered mobility devices, or the storage batteries used in them?

Read Inspection Checklist: Micromobility Devices and Batteries.

Download the required DCWP/FDNY Battery Safety Information to post in NYC store and on each online product listing page in:
English
Español (Spanish)
العربية (Arabic)
বাংলা (Bengali)
中文 - 简化字 (Chinese - Simplified)
中文 - 繁體字 (Chinese - Traditional)
Français (French)
Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole)
한국어 (Korean)
Język Polski (Polish)
Русский (Russian)
ردو (Urdu)

Important Reminders:

The products (i.e., powered bicycles, powered mobility devices, and their storage batteries) must be certified to meet Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards by an accredited laboratory.
- Powered bicycles, such as e-bikes must be certified to UL standard 2849.
- Powered mobility devices, such as e-scooters, hoverboards, segways, e-skateboards, and e-uniwheels, must be certified to UL standard 2272.
- Storage batteries for powered bicycles and powered mobility devices, such as lithium-ion batteries, must be certified to UL standard 2271.
The products must display the logo, wordmark, or name of the accredited testing laboratory to show its certification. Note: If you sell products online, the safety certification must be on each product listing page.
You must maintain proof of certification for each product for three years.
Starting September 25, 2024, you must post DCWP/FDNY Battery Safety Information in the area where products are sold. Note: If you sell products online, the link to the DCWP/FDNY Battery Safety Information must be on each product listing page.

If you have additional questions regarding business regulations, please contact DCWP’s Business Compliance Counsel at BCC@dcwp.nyc.gov

Consumers: Report Illegal Sales

Businesses cannot sell, lease, or rent micromobility devices and batteries (i.e., powered bicycles, powered mobility devices, and their storage batteries) without proper certification and labeling.

To report a business not complying with the law:

Email consumers@dcwp.nyc.gov
Call 311 and say, “Electric bike, scooter, or storage battery sale complaint”