Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act
Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act
Plain Language Summary
# Summary of S 389: Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission (the federal agency that regulates product safety) to create official safety rules for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes, electric scooters, and similar devices. Manufacturers and sellers would have to follow safety standards that have already been developed by industry and standards organizations. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects manufacturers and distributors of micromobility devices—mainly electric bikes and scooters—as well as consumers who use these products.
The goal is to reduce fire hazards and other safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which have been involved in notable incidents including fires in homes and on public transportation. **Current Status:** The bill (S 389) was introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill takes a non-controversial approach by adopting existing safety standards rather than creating new ones from scratch.
CRS Official Summary
Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries ActThis bill requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue a final consumer product safety rule for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in micromobility devices, such as electric bikes and electric scooters.Specifically, the rule must require manufacturers and distributors of such products to comply with the applicable safety standards jointly established by the American National Standards Institute, the Standards Council of Canada, and UL Solutions Inc.
Latest Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 133.