This article briefly combs the main compliance framework for electric bicycles in the US market.
16 CFR Part 1512 - Bicycle Requirements
16 CFR Part 1512 sets out the requirements for bicycles (including bicycles with electric motors) and specifically covers product categories including:
- a. Two - or three-wheeled vehicles
- b. Vehicles with functional pedals
- c. Vehicles with a maximum motor power of 750 watts (1 HP)
- d. A vehicle with a top speed of 20 miles per hour or less when driven by a person weighing 170 pounds (approximately 77 kilograms) on a flat, paved road.
This regulation puts forward specific compliance requirements for the following aspects of the above product categories:
- braking system
- steering system
- pedal
- Transmission chain
- Protective device
- tyre
- wheel
- hub
- Front fork
- Fork and frame assembly
- seat
- reflector
- test
- label
- User Description
Safety requirements
- Federal Regulation 16 CFR Part 1512 specifies a number of safety and mechanical requirements relating to:
- Assembly - Consumers should be able to easily assemble bicycles according to user instructions.
- Sharp edges - The assembled e-bike should not have any sharp parts that can be touched by hands or legs.
- Integrity - Major parts of the bike (such as the frame, wheels, or brake system components) should not break after testing.
- Connecting hardware - Bolts, nuts, and screws used to connect or secure various e-bike hardware must not be loose or broken.
Labeling requirement
Bicycle products covered by this federal regulation must have a permanent label on the frame identifying the manufacturer and the month and year of manufacture.
Test program
16 CFR Part 1512.4 identifies four tests that should be performed:
- Handbrake load and performance testing - includes load, shake and performance testing procedures
- Foot brake and performance testing - includes strength and performance testing procedures
- Road test
- Sidewalk bike protection test
General Certificate of Conformity， GCC
Importers and manufacturers of products falling within the scope of use of 16 CFR Part 1512 must obtain a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC). This certificate of conformity provides information about the product and the manufacturer and guarantees that the product complies with applicable safety standards.
47 CFR Part 15 – RF Devices
Specific compliance requirements for RF devices can be found in earlier related reports:
- U.S. Electronics FCC Regulations Guide (Part 1): Overview
- U.S. Electronics FCC Regulations Guide (Part 2): Declaration of Conformity
- U.S. Electronics FCC Regulations Guide (Part 3): Unintentional Radiators
10 CFR Part 430 – Energy Efficiency Program for Consumer Products
Federal Regulation 10 CFR Part 430 sets forth design requirements and performance standards for energy-using consumer products, including components on electric bicycles such as battery chargers and lighting products. Specifically:
a. Appendix BB of Regulation Attachment B establishes testing methods for several lighting products, including LED lamps, to measure energy consumption.
b. Appendix Y and Y1 of Regulation Attachment B provides unified testing methods for measuring the energy consumption of battery chargers.
Additionally, 10 CFR Part 430 also specifies required testing standards, such as:
a. IES LM-84: Approved methods for measuring light output and color maintenance of LED lamps, light engines, and luminaires.
b. IEC 62040-3: Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Systems. Part 3: Methods for specifying performance and test requirements.
10 CFR Part 429 – Certification, Compliance, and Enforcement for Consumer, Commercial, and Industrial Equipment
Federal Regulation 10 CFR Part 429 specifies certification procedures and compliance requirements for consumer products covered under Part 429, including components like battery chargers and lighting products for electric bicycles. Importers and manufacturers must submit certification reports to the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), which must include a compliance statement and the following information for each model:
- Product or equipment type
- Product or equipment registration
- Manufacturer name and address
- Private brand owner name and address (if applicable)
- Brand name
- Basic model number and unique product identifier provided by the manufacturer
- Submission details (e.g., new model)
- Testing sample specifications
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Importer ID
- Whether certification is based on any testing procedure exemptions, along with the exemption date
- Whether certification is based on any exemptions from relevant energy efficiency standards, along with the waiver date issued by the DoE.
Parts 429.14 to 429.63 of 10 CFR Part 429 list specific product information.
Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)
HMR sets forth transportation requirements for hazardous materials, including lithium batteries typically carried by electric bicycles. The HMR product requirements include:
- Ensuring lithium metal batteries meet packaging requirements and quantity limits or bans as outlined in the hazardous materials table
- Product testing
- Providing a UN 38.3 test summary
- Proper labeling of the product
Document requirements:
- A UN 38.3 test summary
- Shipping documents
- Shipper’s declaration
Labeling requirements:
According to Part D of 49 CFR Part 172, product labels must:
- Be corrosion-resistant, in English, and affixed or printed on the package surface or label, marker, or tag
- Be displayed against a contrasting background
- Be free from obstruction by any other labels
- Be positioned away from other labels
It’s important to note that Part 172 of 49 CFR also specifies special requirements for lithium batteries contained in equipment. Additional labeling requirements for lithium batteries can be found in Part 173.185 of 49 CFR.
UL Standards
While not legally binding unless cited by law, UL standards are usually recommended. Manufacturers or exporters are encouraged to test products to UL standards to ensure safety. Unsafe products may face recalls, and platforms like Amazon may not allow sales unless the manufacturer or seller can demonstrate that products meet the relevant UL standard requirements.
Possible UL standards related to electric bicycles and personal electric mobility devices include:
-
UL 2849: Electric systems for electric bicycles
This standard applies to electrically powered assist bicycles (EPAC) with pedal assist and non-pedal assist electric bicycles powered by lithium-based rechargeable batteries. -
UL 2272: Electric systems for personal electric mobility devices
This standard specifies requirements for personal electric mobility devices and electric scooters' powertrain systems, including battery systems, circuits, and electrical components. It aims to assess the safety of components related to energy and electrical shock hazards, such as powertrain systems, batteries, and battery chargers.
UL Standards for Lithium Batteries
Electric bicycles may contain lithium batteries and operate using lithium batteries. Therefore, UL standards related to lithium batteries may also be relevant to electric bicycles, so manufacturers and exporters are encouraged to pay attention.
For more compliance information about U.S. lithium battery regulations, visit:
- U.S. Compliance Guide: Overview of Lithium Battery Regulations
- Guide to Exporting to the U.S.: Button and Coin Cell Batteries
ASTM Standards
Like UL standards, ASTM standards are usually recommended and help ensure consumer safety in the U.S. market. Currently, there are no specific ASTM standards directly applicable to electric bicycles, but two consumer safety specifications may be relevant to certain electric bicycle product categories:
- ASTM WK88946: New standard for electric hoverboards
- ASTM F2641-23: Standard consumer safety specification for recreational electric scooters and small bicycles
RoHS
Various U.S. states have RoHS regulations, restricting the use or presence of heavy metals in electronic devices. This system applies to electric bicycles as they contain electronic devices (e.g., bicycle displays) and wires that may contain heavy metals. For example, California’s RoHS regulations cover electronic devices with screens larger than 4 inches, such as video display equipment. Manufacturers should pay attention to specific state requirements where products are sold.
State Electric Bicycle Laws
Many U.S. states have specific laws governing electric bicycles, including age restrictions, electric bicycle classifications, operating licenses, and registration requirements. Here are a few examples of state-level electric bicycle regulations in the U.S.:
a. California – AB-1096: Vehicles: Electric Bicycles
b. New York – Vehicle and Traffic Law (VAT), Chapter 71, Part 7, Section 34, Article 1238
c. Georgia – Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) Section 40-6-300
About ChamRider：
Dongguan ChamRider Technology Co., Ltd. was established in 2011, Located in Dongguan City, adjacent to large ports such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Our main products are lithium batteries for electric bicycles, forklifts, and other vehicles. Our factory covers an area of 1100 ㎡ and has two production lines.
Here are the reasons for choosing us as your supplier.
1.12 years of industry experience
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We hope to provide customers with high-quality products and sincere services, creating a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. We invite customers to collaborate with us to create a better future together.
Website：www.chamrider-battery.com
E-mail：sa4@chamrider.cn
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