The United States House of Representatives recently passed legislation intended to make lithium-ion batteries safer.

Introduced in March 2023, the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish a final consumer product safety standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in micro mobility devices, such as electric scooters and bikes, to protect against the risk of fires caused by such batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries are used to power a variety of technology items sold in the promotional products industry; however, it’s unclear if the legislation would apply to products beyond electric scooters and bikes, which are specifically referenced in the bill.

  • In the past, suppliers have issued recalls of power banks following reports that their lithium-ion batteries can overheat and ignite, posing fire and burn hazards. 


Ravaging New York City

Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York introduced the bill after New York City saw a rise in fatal fires caused by lithium-ion batteries.

  • According to the New York City Fire Department, lithium-ion batteries caused 267 fires, 150 injuries and 18 deaths in the city in 2023, CBS News reported.
  • After passing by a 378-34 vote on May 15, the bill now goes to the Senate.

“The electric micro mobility devices that lithium-ion batteries power have quickly spread far and wide across our cities and many service workers rely on them,” Torres says. “However, we must ensure that the proper safety standards accompany this heightened usage. I’m proud to receive the overwhelming support of my colleagues in the House on this commonsense legislation and I urge the Senate to take this up quickly so that President Biden can swiftly sign the bill into law and save lives.”