Bill > B26-0244

This bill, the Micromobility Fire Safety Standards Act of 2025, aims to enhance safety by requiring that electric bicycles (e-bikes), electric mobility devices, and their traction batteries (the rechargeable batteries powering these devices) manufactured, distributed, sold, or rented in the District meet specific safety standards. These standards involve evaluation, testing, and certification by recognized third-party organizations, such as Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) accredited by OSHA or holding ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation. The bill defines key terms like "micromobility device" to encompass both e-bikes and electric mobility devices, and clarifies the definitions of e-bikes and electric mobility devices to align with existing traffic laws. It also empowers the Director of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to develop policies for the safe use of these devices. Exceptions to the certification requirement are provided for devices offered for rental or lease by specific programs like Capital Bikeshare, provided they can document compliance, and for devices being sold secondhand. The bill also makes conforming amendments to various District laws and regulations to reflect these new safety requirements.