What E-Bike Certifications and Safety Standards Really Mean
Written by: Rémy Rossi | April 30, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
Helmets aren’t the only things keeping you protected. E-Bike certifications and safety standards ensure your boosted bike is as safe as possible while riding and charging.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
Safety always comes first. Long gone are the days where Tour de France racers threw aside their helmets on the slower climbs— modern bikes, protective gear, and the riders themselves are more committed to safety than ever.
Electric bikes are the latest wave of innovation and are increasingly held to high safety standards for increased reliability when it comes to the battery, motor, and charging. Poor quality models with sub-par electronic parts have tarnished the safety reputation of e-Bikes, but strict certifications and standards help riders identify the safest, most dependable electric bikes. Here’s a brief guide to key certifications and safety standards to look for when buying a new or used electric bike. 👋 Upway says hello!
Upway is the ultimate platform for buying and selling e-Bikes online. Find your next e-Bike at up to 60% off retail prices, offered in new or like-new condition.
Most Common E-Bike Certifications and Safety Standards
UL 2849
The most widespread— and probably most important— certification for e-Bikes in the US is the UL 2849 standard. UL 2849 is an electrical and fire safety standard that evaluates the battery, electrical drivetrain system (motor), and charger on an e-Bike. This seal of quality ensures safe charging and use, especially regarding fire safety and the risk of electric shock during charging.
This certification is issued by UL Solutions (Underwriting Laboratories), a global safety certification organization that evaluates tons and tons of products. The UL 2849 standard is specifically tailored to electric bikes and allows governments, manufacturers, and consumers to all be on the same page. Electric bicycle manufacturers have to undergo rigorous testing by the UL labs to obtain UL Certification; the certification is provided on a per bike model basis.
If an e-Bike is UL 2849-certified, there’ll probably be a sticker or seal on the frame indicating so. Be wary of lower-end electric bikes that claim that they are UL-certified, but aren’t actually up to snuff. You can check the UL’s website and search for a specific brand and model— if the e-Bike isn’t actually listed on the site, it’s not UL-certified.
Looking for a deal? 🤝 Get an even better discount when you trade in your electric bike now! Click here for a price estimation
New York City’s UL-certification requirement
As of a couple of years ago, all e-Bikes sold, rented, or ridden in New York City need to be UL certified. Back in March of 2023, New York City passed Initiative 663-A to enhance the fire safety of e-Bike and e-scooter lithium-ion batteries. NYC e-Bike laws mandate that all electric bikes sold, leased or distributed in New York City must be UL certified.
Specifically, e-Bike must abide by the UL 2849, UL 2271, and UL 2272 standards. The UL 2272 safety standard evaluates the battery system used in “light electric vehicles” such as electric bikes. This new law was adopted to combat the safety and fire risks that have accompanied the rising e-Bike adoption in the city— an influx of low-quality electric bikes and dangerous lithium-ion batteries have caused fires in recent years. However, New York has recently introduced safer charging initiatives and cracked down on poor-quality, unregulated electric bikes.
EN 15194
Another common standard you’ll likely come across is EN 15194, known as the European standard for electric bikes. This standard covers both mechanical and electrical components of e-Bikes— in this way, it’s a bit more comprehensive than the UL 2849 standard. It specifies a maximum motor power of 250 watts and top speed of 25 km/h. Compliance with EN 15194 is mandatory for all electric bikes in most of Europe— all models must carry the CE mark, which indicates that it follows the EU’s regulations.
ISO 4210
ISO 4210 is an overarching standard for both standard bicycles and electric bikes sold around the world. The global standard evaluates things such as material and frame strength and crucial components such as brakes, wheels, and steering system. It evaluates performance according to fatigue and impact tests for individual bike components, all of which must be met to achieve the certification.
ISO 4210 is not a mandatory standard, but seeing the mark on a bike is always a good sign, indicating that the bike is built to high performance and safety standards. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this holistic standard replaced the older EN 14781 standard for road bikes and EN 14766 standard for mountain bikes.
ISO 4210 is not a mandatory standard, but seeing the mark on a bike is always a good sign, indicating that the bike is built to high performance and safety standards. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this holistic standard replaced the older EN 14781 standard for road bikes and EN 14766 standard for mountain bikes.
🤝 Why you can trust us for buying an e-Bike?
- Great prices: Get your next e-Bike for up to 60% off retail prices, in new or like-new conditions.
- Quality Guaranteed: Every e-Bike is rigorously certified by a team of professional mechanics, and comes with a 1-year warranty.
- Delivered to Your Door: Delivered to your home within a week. Change your mind? Return it thanks to our 14-day return policy.
🚲 We also buy e-Bikes. Click here for an estimation!
Which standards do Upway e-Bikes meet?
Upway stocks high-quality electric bikes from the top brands, meaning you’re getting a reliable and safe ride. We also have an entire catalog of UL-certified electric bikes for additional assurance and peace of mind when it comes to e-Bike safety. Specific certifications will vary by brand and model, but Upway has got you covered— all Trek and Electra e-Bikes, for example, are third-party tested to comply with leading safety regulations such as the UL 2849 standard.
Key Takeaways
- UL 2849 is the gold standard: It certifies the safety of the battery, motor, and charger systems, helping prevent fire and shock hazards. Only bikes officially listed on UL’s database meet the true certification.
- Regulations enforce safety: In response to fire risks, cities like New York and Washington DC now legally require e-Bikes to be UL-certified, raising the bar for rider and public safety.
- Multiple standards ensure all-around bike safety: EN 15194 focuses on European mechanical and electrical safety, while ISO 4210 assesses structural integrity worldwide. Certified bikes meet strict criteria for durability, performance, and safe riding.
