Bill > A00239

This bill requires batteries for electric bicycles and electric scooters to undergo rigorous safety testing and approval by specific recognized testing organizations. Specifically, the batteries must be tested and carry a seal from either Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or other accredited testing entities, including laboratories that meet International Organization for Standardization and International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) 17025 standards for independent testing, ISO/IEC 17065 accredited certifying bodies, or participants in the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) program. The goal of this legislation appears to be enhancing safety standards for battery-powered personal transportation devices by ensuring that their batteries have been professionally tested and verified for quality and safety. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage, mandating that all electric bicycles and scooters sold in New York comply with these new battery testing requirements.