Battery safety has become one of the biggest concerns when it comes to all things electric. Everything from Teslas to electric bicycles and e-scooters are powered by a bunch of high-energy cells, which in theory, could burst into flames for a whole myriad of reasons. In big cities like New York, indoor fires caused by uncertified lithium-ion batteries in personal mobility devices have become a cause for worry.
This is precisely why big cities around the world, like London and San Francisco, are starting to implement regulations requiring e-bikes and their batteries to meet some pretty strict safety standards.
It all makes sense, as for many, e-bikes are more than just a convenient way to get around—they're a livelihood. Delivery workers, in particular, depend on them each and every day to make ends meet. But with growing concerns about the fire risks posed by uncertified batteries, balancing safety with accessibility can sometimes put e-bikes beyond the reach of minimum-wage workers.
