Bill requires micromobility devices sold or operated in DC to meet well-recognized fire safety standards.

As more people embrace the convenience and enjoyment of electric bikes and scooters, more companies are trying to enter the market to meet the demand. Plenty are turning to cheaper batteries to price a product at a lower price point. But poorly made batteries pose serious fire hazards.

That’s why DC Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6) has introduced the Micromobility Fire Safety Standards Act of 2025, a bill aimed at holding companies offering e-bike and e-scooter sales or rentals to a high standard for what batteries are used in the product in the District of Columbia.

“As any local bike shop will tell you, not all e-bikes or scooters are made the same,” Councilmember Allen said. “For the first-time consumer looking to purchase an e-bike, they have no idea how to gauge if the battery is safe. People are trusting there are laws in place that ensure safety standards are being met. That’s what this law does for e-bikes and scooters, which have soared in popularity in the last few years.”

Between November 2018 and March 2025, residents and visitors have ridden more than 38 million miles on e-bikes and scooters in the District. Capital Bikeshare, with a fleet of more than 1,000 e-bikes, has seen annual rides increase nearly 40% in 2024, with 6.1 million rides in total. In 2025, CaBi ridership records have been broken almost every month, driven by access to e-bikes.

Nationally, as more e-bikes and scooters are on the road, there has been an increase in fire incidents related to lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are used in e-bikes and scooters, and in limited cases, can overheat and cause a fire due to “thermal runaway.” These fires are most common in cheaper batteries and are typically from batteries and electric components that haven’t been tested to meet safety standards.

“E-Bikes and scooters can solve a lot of problems for a dense city like DC because people can get where they are going easily, enjoyably, and affordably without adding to traffic,” Councilmember Allen said. “As this industry and mode share grow, it's crucial we set a high standard of safety early on.”

These risks are minimized when batteries and electric components meet safety standards. Councilmember Allen’s bill would require all e-bikes and e-scooters sold or rented in the District to comply with recognized fire safety standards, intending to regulate sales at brick-and-mortar locations and online. It’s a critical step to protect people who use micromobility to move around easily, quickly, and sustainably. The bill is co-introduced by Councilmembers Brooke Pinto, Anita Bonds, Matthew Frumin, Christina Henderson, and Robert White.