From Compliance to Confidence: Strengthening NYC’s e-Mobility Fire Safety Standards
The Three-Step Strategy to Enhance New York’s E-Mobility Safety
By Stephen Coulter and Krystyna Weston, Co-Founders of Zipidi
New York City is at the forefront of fire safety regulations for lithium-ion batteries and related e-mobility vehicles, including e-bikes. The city’s stringent requirements for product certifications (UL 2271, UL 2272, or UL 2849) and consumer education initiatives set a global benchmark. However, the proliferation of illegal and non-compliant products poses a significant challenge to public safety.
To address this issue, Zipidi suggests three critical enhancements to the existing regulatory framework:
1. Audit and Verification of Certifications
The first step is to ensure that all certifications are audited and verified. This would involve a systematic review process to authenticate product certifications to ensure they are valid and apply to the product claimed. Such a measure would deter the sale of fraudulently certified batteries and e-mobility devices, thereby reinforcing the integrity of the certification process.
2. Implementation of Smart, Connected Labels
The second recommendation is the adoption of smart, connected labels, such as CREDZ, for all e-mobility products. These labels would serve as digital passports, providing verifiable proof at the serial number level that each product meets New York’s regulatory requirements. Smart labels could enhance traceability and accountability across the supply chain, making it easier to identify and eliminate non-compliant products from the market.
3. Creation of an Online Product Register
Lastly, establishing an online register for all legally compliant products is proposed as a definitive source of truth. This register would list all e-mobility devices with proven, audited certifications to meet New York’s standards, offering transparency and ease of access for consumers, retailers, and enforcement agencies. Such a centralised database would be instrumental in monitoring the market and addressing non-compliance.
These proposed enhancements to New York City’s fire safety regulations for lithium-ion batteries and e-mobility vehicles are not just about maintaining standards but elevating them. By closing the gaps in the current system, the city can ensure a safer environment for its citizens and set a new precedent for urban e-mobility safety worldwide.
For a more in-depth analysis of the current challenges and potential solutions, the article “E-bike Shops Flout Ban on Batteries, Sparking Fires” provides valuable insights into the ongoing situation.
To discuss how your batteries, bikes, scooters or other e-mobility products can be CREDZ verified, contact the authors: stephen@zipidi.fun and krystyna@zipidi.fun
