UL Solutions Tackles Lithium-Ion Micromobility Battery Hazards
With cities embracing micromobility and battery-powered devices faster than you can say “e-bike,” one challenge continues to ride alongside the trend: safety. As lithium-ion batteries become commonplace in everything from scooters to power tools, so too do reports of thermal runaway events, fires, and even explosions.
Cue UL Solutions, a global heavyweight in applied safety science, stepping in with two new certification programs aimed at making battery-powered transport safer for everyone.
UL Solutions has launched specialised certification services for both battery containment enclosures and micromobility charging equipment. These services are timely responses to the increasing number of lithium-ion battery incidents. The push is not just about compliance; it’s about public safety, risk mitigation, and making sure our modern conveniences don’t come with a dangerous price tag.
The Rise of Battery Containment Enclosures
City sidewalks, apartment basements and bike shops are now housing an increasingly familiar sight: steel battery cabinets. These are no ordinary lockers. Designed to store and charge e-bike and other lithium-ion batteries, these containment units are purpose-built to prevent the worst-case scenario. When a battery overheats or malfunctions, the resulting thermal runaway can lead to a chain reaction that’s both highly flammable and potentially explosive.
UL Solutions’ new program evaluates these battery containment enclosures against UL 1487, the Standard for Battery Containment Enclosures. It’s a binational standard, applicable in both the US and Canada, developed in close coordination with the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). And for good reason. New York alone has seen hundreds of battery fires, many linked to uncertified or improperly charged micromobility devices.
Dr. Robert Slone, UL Solutions’ senior vice president and chief scientist, stressed the point: “The use of e-bikes is on the rise, and new products enter the market daily that tap the convenience and sustainability of batteries. Our new battery containment enclosure and micromobility charging equipment engineering evaluation, testing and certification services can help reduce the risks associated with the storage and charging of lithium-ion batteries and devices.”
What Exactly Is Thermal Runaway?
It’s not just industry jargon. Thermal runaway is the dangerous domino effect when a lithium-ion battery cell overheats and spreads the heat to adjacent cells. Eventually, the battery becomes uncontrollably hot, releasing flammable gases, shrapnel, toxic smoke, and often, igniting fires.
These hazards are no small matter. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number of lithium-ion battery-related fires is rising year-on-year. UL Solutions’ rigorous testing procedures under UL 1487 specifically examine how well enclosures contain fires, explosions, and harmful emissions during such events.
FDNY Chief of Fire Prevention, Thomas Currao, noted: “It’s really important to have third-party experts test and certify battery containment enclosures and micromobility charging equipment to make sure they meet safety standards. For battery enclosures especially, this kind of testing shows they can contain dangerous situations like thermal runaway, which will help stop fires or explosions from spreading.”
Charging Up Micromobility Safety
It’s not just about where you store the battery. Charging infrastructure is equally critical. That’s why UL Solutions has also launched a certification service for micromobility charging equipment based on UL 4900. Another binational standard, UL 4900 addresses both fire and electric shock risks during the charging process.
Whether you’re plugging in your scooter in a busy urban parking bay or a shared charging dock in an office building, the risks are the same. Poor-quality or uncertified charging equipment can cause shorts, overheating, and, again, thermal runaway. The new standard helps ensure that these charging stations meet safety criteria, offering peace of mind for businesses and consumers alike.
Chief Currao added: “That kind of protection matters, whether it’s in an apartment building, office or industrial space. Choosing certified equipment means we’re taking smart steps to prevent battery hazards and make our city safer for the public and for our members.”
Why UL Certification Matters
Let’s face it, in a marketplace flooded with cheap imports and hastily assembled devices, it’s tough to separate the safe from the shady. That’s where UL Solutions shines. Their mark isn’t just a rubber stamp; it’s a symbol of rigorous testing, scientific validation, and ongoing compliance.
Products bearing the UL Mark undergo extensive evaluation to meet stringent safety standards that have been shaped by real-world data and fire safety professionals.
The UL 1487 and UL 4900 standards ensure that:
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Enclosures can withstand intense battery fire and pressure conditions
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Charging systems are protected against electric shock and fire risk
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Public and emergency services face fewer risks from thermal runaway events
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Manufacturers are held accountable to consistent international safety benchmarks
From Global Labs to Local Streets
UL Solutions’ impact isn’t confined to laboratory walls. With operations in over 110 countries, they provide global reach with local relevance. Their certification services are already influencing legislation, fire codes, and product development pathways worldwide. As cities grapple with how to regulate e-mobility without stifling innovation, UL’s work helps ensure that safety isn’t sacrificed for speed.
More than just a watchdog, UL Solutions also supports innovation by helping manufacturers bring safer products to market faster. Their advisory services and software tools streamline product development, making it easier to navigate compliance while maintaining design flexibility.
The Future of Battery Safety
The writing’s on the wall: lithium-ion batteries aren’t going anywhere. From smart cities and delivery fleets to home DIY tools, their convenience and energy density make them indispensable. But convenience must go hand-in-hand with responsibility.
As regulations tighten and consumer awareness grows, manufacturers, facility managers and city planners will need to adopt certified safety measures as standard. UL Solutions is already one step ahead, providing the tools, certifications and data to make those safety choices easier, smarter and globally recognised.
“Our science is your advantage,” as UL Solutions puts it. It’s not just a tagline. It’s a reminder that in the electrified age, knowing your equipment has been properly vetted could be the difference between peace of mind and disaster.
Building Trust in a Battery-Powered World
The global shift towards electrification brings immense promise but also significant risks. UL Solutions’ efforts to certify battery containment enclosures and micromobility charging infrastructure mark a crucial step in bridging that gap. It’s a proactive push toward safer cities, smarter products, and a more responsible battery-powered future.
Because when it comes to innovation, safety isn’t optional. It’s essential.
