UL Solutions Introduces Certification Programs to Enhance Safety of Lithium-Ion Micromobility Batteries

UL Solutions Tackles Lithium-Ion Micromobility Battery Hazards
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**Date:** June 19, 2025

As cities rapidly adopt micromobility solutions and battery-powered devices, safety concerns are becoming increasingly significant. The prevalence of lithium-ion batteries in everything from scooters to power tools has led to a rise in reports of thermal runaway events, fires, and explosions. In response, UL Solutions, a leader in applied safety science, has introduced two new certification programs designed to enhance the safety of battery-powered transportation.

UL Solutions has established specialized certification services for both battery containment enclosures and micromobility charging equipment. This initiative is a timely response to the growing number of incidents involving lithium-ion batteries, focusing not only on regulatory compliance but also on public safety and risk mitigation.

### The Rise of Battery Containment Enclosures

Urban environments are now increasingly home to steel battery cabinets, which serve a critical purpose. These containment units are designed to safely store and charge e-bike and other lithium-ion batteries, effectively preventing catastrophic failures. When a battery overheats or malfunctions, it can trigger thermal runaway, leading to highly flammable and potentially explosive situations.

UL Solutions’ new program assesses these battery containment enclosures against **UL 1487**, the Standard for Battery Containment Enclosures. This binational standard is applicable in both the US and Canada and was developed in collaboration with the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). New York has experienced hundreds of battery-related fires, many linked to uncertified or improperly charged micromobility devices.

Dr. Robert Slone, UL Solutions’ senior vice president and chief scientist, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The use of e-bikes is on the rise, and new products enter the market daily that tap into the convenience and sustainability of batteries. Our new battery containment enclosure and micromobility charging equipment evaluation, testing, and certification services can help reduce the risks associated with storing and charging lithium-ion batteries and devices.”

### Understanding Thermal Runaway

Thermal runaway occurs when a lithium-ion battery cell overheats, causing adjacent cells to also heat up uncontrollably. This can lead to the release of flammable gases, toxic smoke, and often ignites fires. The National Fire Protection Association reports a year-on-year increase in lithium-ion battery-related fires. UL Solutions’ rigorous testing under **UL 1487** focuses on how effectively these enclosures contain fires, explosions, and harmful emissions during such incidents.

FDNY Chief of Fire Prevention, Thomas Currao, stated, “It’s crucial to have third-party experts test and certify battery containment enclosures and micromobility charging equipment to ensure they meet safety standards. This testing demonstrates that battery enclosures can contain dangerous situations like thermal runaway, thus preventing fires or explosions from spreading.”

### Enhancing Micromobility Safety

The safety of charging infrastructure is just as vital as battery storage. To address this, UL Solutions has introduced a certification service for micromobility charging equipment based on **UL 4900**, which addresses fire and electric shock risks during the charging process. Whether charging a scooter in a busy urban area or using a shared dock in an office, the risks remain significant. Low-quality or uncertified charging equipment can lead to short circuits, overheating, and thermal runaway.

This new standard ensures that charging stations meet essential safety criteria, providing peace of mind for both businesses and consumers. Chief Currao added, “Having certified equipment is crucial, whether in an apartment, office, or industrial environment. It’s a proactive measure to prevent battery hazards and enhance public safety.”

### The Importance of UL Certification

In a marketplace flooded with cheap imports and hastily assembled devices, distinguishing safe products can be challenging. UL Solutions’ certification mark is more than just a label; it represents thorough testing, scientific validation, and ongoing compliance. Products that carry the UL mark have undergone extensive evaluations to meet rigorous safety standards shaped by real-world data and fire safety professionals.

The **UL 1487** and **UL 4900** standards ensure that:
– Enclosures withstand intense battery fires and pressure conditions.
– Charging systems are safeguarded against electric shock and fire risks.
– Public and emergency services encounter fewer risks from thermal runaway events.
– Manufacturers adhere to consistent international safety benchmarks.

### Global Impact and Local Relevance

UL Solutions operates in over 110 countries, providing global reach with local relevance. Their certification services are influencing legislation, fire codes, and product development globally. As cities seek to regulate e-mobility without stifling innovation, UL’s efforts ensure that safety remains a priority.

Beyond compliance, UL Solutions supports innovation by helping manufacturers bring safer products to market more quickly. Their advisory services and software tools simplify product development, aiding compliance while allowing for design flexibility.

### The Future of Battery Safety

Lithium-ion batteries are here to stay, powering everything from smart cities to home improvement tools. However, convenience must be matched with responsibility. As regulations tighten and consumer awareness increases, manufacturers, facility managers, and city planners must adopt certified safety measures as standard practice.

UL Solutions is already ahead, providing the necessary tools, certifications, and data to facilitate these safety choices. As they put it, “Our science is your advantage.” In this electrified age, knowing your equipment has been thoroughly vetted could mean the difference between peace of mind and disaster.

### Building Trust in a Battery-Powered World

The global transition towards electrification offers immense potential but also substantial risks. UL Solutions’ initiatives to certify battery containment enclosures and micromobility charging infrastructure are significant steps toward safer cities and smarter products. In the realm of innovation, safety is not optional; it is essential.