Electric bicycle certification in the United States
Electric bicycle certification in the United States

Electric bicycles have a relatively strict market access threshold to enter the US market, that is, they are required to pass the UL2849 safety standard. The UL2849 standard involves product safety, battery management system (BMS), software evaluation and functional safety evaluation requirements, and also has safety standards for components such as controllers, motors and chargers. The introduction and implementation of the UL2849 standard has ensured the quality and performance of electric bicycle products, allowing the industry to develop healthier and longer.
Electric bicycle certification in the United States
UL 2272 and UL 2849 are safety standards for electrical systems of personal electric transportation equipment, including the electrical system safety standard UL 3030, which together support the rapid transformation of personal electric transportation equipment technology around the world. Lithium-ion battery technology is increasingly being widely used in personal electric transportation equipment such as balance cars, electric pedal bicycles (electric bicycles), electric motorcycles and electric scooters. We must actively address the growing safety issues of the electrical systems of personal electric transportation equipment. Similarly, the exponential growth in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones to achieve commercial or tactical goals will continue to rely on safe battery and electrical system technology for normal operation. E-commerce platform Amazon has also made clear requirements for electric vehicle products. All lithium-ion battery products must pass UL certification before they are allowed to be put on the shelves.

Electric bicycles, electric-assisted bicycles (EPAC bicycles), electric scooters and electric motorcycles -- UL 2849 3rd edition. The updated requirements of UL 2849 3rd edition now address recent key safety issues to support the safe use of electric bicycles (electric bicycles for single-person riding, but may be able to accommodate passengers; electric bicycles that are usually operated while sitting; electric bicycles that can have pedals; electric bicycles that are generally considered off-road) and minimize the risk of battery fire or explosion and electric shock hazards. Important updates include:
UL 2849 covers the electric systems of electric bicycles (pedal-assisted electric bicycles) and off-road electric motorcycles and electric scooters.
The standard addresses the risk of electric shock and potential electric shock hazards during charging during the life of the product.

Electric bicycle market in the United States
Electric bicycles continue to grow in the US market. According to eCycleElectric's annual statistical research on the US electric bicycle sales market, the sales volume of electric bicycles in the US market in 2017 was 263,000, setting a new record, an increase of more than 400%. The number of companies importing electric bicycles has also increased significantly, from 135 companies in 2016 to about 600 in 2017. More than 80% of electric bicycles are imported from China, and e-commerce channels are considered important sales channels. Compared with the strong automobile culture in the United States, electric bicycles are a newly emerging means of transportation that meets the needs of some people for convenient travel: convenient riding in hilly areas, short-distance destinations, no need for driver's licenses, fuel costs and parking space, etc.

In 2018, affected by the Sino-US trade war, Chinese electric bicycles were included in the tariff list, and electric bicycles made in China were subject to a 25% tariff. In 2018, my country's electric vehicles were affected by the Sino-US trade friction and the EU anti-dumping investigation, and exports were affected to a certain extent. However, from the demand perspective, the demand for electric vehicles in Europe and the United States has maintained a high growth trend in recent years.

Regulations and standards applicable to electric bicycles in the United States

ASTM F2264-2009a Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Powered Scooters

ASTM F2641-2008 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Recreational Powered Scooters and Pocket Bikes

ASTM F2642-2008 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Safety Instructions and Labeling for Recreational Powered Scooters and Pocket Bikes

UL2272 Electrical Systems for Personal E-Mobility Devices

UL2849 Electrically Power Assisted Cycles (EPAC Bicycles), Electric Scooters, and Electric Motorcycles

UL2849 Electrically Power Assisted Cycles (EPAC Bicycles), Electric Scooters, and Electric Motorcycles