Electric scooters run on lithium-ion batteries, the same chemistry that, when it fails, is behind a growing number of serious fires in cities around the world. The reassuring part is that a battery fire is largely preventable. It comes down to three things: buying a scooter and battery that carry a recognized safety certification, charging and storing the battery correctly, and knowing the warning signs of a cell that is starting to fail. This guide explains what certifications like UL 2272 and UL 2271 actually verify, how new laws in New York City, London and the EU are reshaping what you can legally buy and ride, and the exact charging habits that keep your battery safe.
Why Electric Scooter Battery Safety Matters
A lithium-ion battery stores a large amount of energy in a very small space. When a cell is damaged, overcharged, exposed to heat, or built with poor-quality components, it can enter thermal runaway, a self-feeding chemical reaction that rapidly drives the cell to extreme temperatures, vents flammable gas, and ignites a fire that is intensely hot, fast-moving and very difficult to put out with water. These fires often start with little warning and can spread within seconds.
The risk is not theoretical. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) has identified lithium-ion batteries, most of them from e-bikes and e-scooters, as one of the city's fastest-growing fire hazards, tied to hundreds of fires and dozens of injuries and deaths in recent years. London followed a similar arc: privately owned e-scooters were banned from the city's public transport network after a series of battery fires on trains and buses. The devices most often involved share a profile, namely uncertified products, damaged or mismatched batteries, cheap aftermarket chargers, and unattended overnight charging.
UL 2272, the certification standard created in 2016 after a wave of hoverboard battery fires and recalls, exists precisely to screen out these failure modes before a product ever reaches your home.
Battery Safety Certifications Explained
'Certified' is not a single thing. Different standards test different parts of the system, and one scooter can carry more than one mark. The distinction matters because a battery certification alone does not certify the whole scooter, and a scooter mark does not necessarily cover a replacement battery. Here is what the major standards cover.
| Standard | What it certifies | Applies to | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| UL 2272 | The complete electrical system of a personal e-mobility device: the drive train, battery and charger evaluated together as one integrated system | Electric scooters, hoverboards | US / North America |
| UL 2271 | The battery pack itself, including cells, wiring and the battery management system, tested for use in light electric vehicles | The battery inside a scooter or e-bike | US / North America |
| UL 2849 | The complete electrical system of an e-bike, the e-bike counterpart to UL 2272 | Electric bicycles | US / North America |
| EN 15194 | Electrical safety of electrically power-assisted cycles, including the battery and charger | E-bikes (EPACs) | Europe / UK |
UL 2272 vs. UL 2271: the key difference
This is the pairing buyers most often confuse. UL 2272 certifies the scooter's whole electrical system working together: the motor drive electronics, the battery, and the matching charger, tested as one combination. UL 2271 certifies only the battery pack. The strongest products pair a UL 2271-certified battery inside a UL 2272-certified system, which is the clearest signal a buyer can look for. A scooter that lists neither has not been independently tested against these failure modes at all.
What about Europe?
Europe uses a different framework. EN 15194 is the harmonized safety standard for electrically power-assisted cycles (e-bikes) and covers electrical safety including the battery and charger; standing e-scooters are addressed by the separate EN 17128 product standard. Because rules and enforcement vary widely from country to country, European buyers should confirm which mark their national regulator actually recognizes.
E-Scooter Battery Laws by City and Country
New York City
New York City has the strictest rules in the United States. Under Local Law 39 of 2023, it is illegal to sell, lease, or rent an e-scooter, an e-bike, or a stand-alone lithium-ion battery in the city unless it is certified to an accredited safety standard: UL 2272 for e-scooters, UL 2849 for e-bikes, and UL 2271 for the batteries. The law took effect in September 2023, and the FDNY has pursued enforcement against retailers selling uncertified devices. Even if you buy elsewhere, a certified device is the safer choice.
London and the United Kingdom
In the UK, privately owned e-scooters remain illegal to ride on public roads, pavements and cycle lanes; only government-approved rental trials are permitted. On top of that, Transport for London bars privately owned e-scooters, along with non-conforming e-bikes, from the Tube, buses, Overground and other TfL services following a series of battery fires on the network. In practice, treat any private e-scooter in London as both road-illegal and banned from public transport.
The European Union
Most EU countries cap e-scooter speed at roughly 20 to 25 km/h and increasingly expect devices to meet recognized electrical-safety standards; several also require insurance or registration. Rules differ significantly by country, so verify local requirements before you buy or travel with a scooter. For a country-by-country breakdown, see our Europe e-scooter regulations guide.
United States (federal)
At the federal level there is not yet a nationwide battery-certification mandate, but momentum is building. Federal regulators have urged buyers to choose devices certified to UL standards, and legislation to make such standards mandatory has been under active consideration. Expect more cities and states to follow New York's lead in the years ahead.
Safe Charging and Storage Checklist
Most battery fires trace back to how a battery is charged and stored rather than to a factory defect. These habits dramatically reduce your risk:
- Use only the charger that came with your scooter. Mismatched or cheap third-party chargers are a leading cause of overcharging and overheating.
- Never charge unattended or overnight. Charge while you are awake and nearby, and unplug the battery once it is full.
- Keep charging away from exits and flammable surfaces. Do not charge near doors, beds, couches, or anything that could block your escape route if a fire starts.
- Let the battery cool before charging. Charging a hot battery straight after a ride adds stress; wait about 30 minutes.
- Charge at room temperature. Avoid charging in freezing or very hot conditions, which accelerate cell damage.
- Avoid extreme charge levels. Try not to run the pack to 0% or leave it sitting at 100% for days; keeping it roughly between 20% and 90% reduces stress.
- Store at a partial charge in a cool, dry place if you will not ride for several weeks, and check on it periodically.
- Retire a damaged battery. Never charge a pack that has been dropped, crushed, punctured, or exposed to water.
- Have a plan. Lithium fires can reignite; if a battery starts smoking, hissing or swelling, get everyone out and call emergency services rather than trying to fight it.
Warning Signs of a Failing Battery
A lithium-ion battery usually gives clues before it fails catastrophically. Stop using and safely isolate the battery if you notice any of these:
- Swelling or bulging of the battery case, or a scooter deck that no longer sits flush
- Unusual heat, meaning a battery that is hot to the touch when idle or long after charging has finished
- A hissing, popping or crackling sound coming from the pack
- A sharp, sweet or chemical odor, which can indicate leaking electrolyte
- Leaking fluid, discoloration or smoke
- A sudden drop in range or a battery that no longer holds a charge, which can signal internal cell damage
- Physical damage such as dents, cracks, or water exposure after a crash or fall
If you see swelling or smoke, or hear hissing, move away from the device, get others out of the area, and call emergency services. Do not put a suspect battery back on the charger.
How to Buy a Certified Electric Scooter
Marketing language like 'safe battery' or 'premium cells' means nothing on its own. Look instead for a specific, verifiable certification:
- Look for the exact standard, not just the letters 'UL.' The listing should name UL 2272 for the scooter and ideally UL 2271 for the battery. Phrases like 'UL-compatible' or 'UL-grade' components are not the same as a certified product.
- Verify the certification independently. UL maintains a free online certification directory (Product iQ) where you can confirm whether a specific model or company actually holds the listing it claims.
- Check for a certification mark on the device itself, not only in the online description.
- Favor brands that publish their certifications. Established brands that market UL-certified scooters include Segway / Ninebot, NIU and Levy, among others, but always confirm the specific model rather than assuming an entire brand is covered.
- Match any spare battery to the scooter. If you buy a replacement or spare pack, use the manufacturer's own certified battery, never a generic substitute.
Certification should be one filter among several. For models that balance verified safety with real-world range and build quality, see our roundup of the best electric scooters for adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UL 2272 certification legally required to buy an electric scooter?
Not everywhere. It is required for sale, lease or rental in New York City under Local Law 39 of 2023, and other jurisdictions are moving in the same direction, but there is currently no nationwide U.S. mandate. Wherever you live, choosing a UL 2272-certified scooter is the single clearest way to reduce fire risk.
What is the difference between UL 2272 and UL 2271?
UL 2272 certifies the scooter's entire electrical system, meaning the drive train, battery and charger tested together. UL 2271 certifies only the battery pack. The safest products pair a UL 2271 battery inside a UL 2272 system.
Can I use any charger with my electric scooter?
No. Always use the charger supplied with your scooter, or an exact manufacturer replacement. Mismatched voltage or cheap third-party chargers are a common cause of overheating and battery fires.
Are swappable or removable batteries safe?
Yes, when they are certified and undamaged. A removable battery can actually be safer to charge because you can move it away from your escape route and off flammable surfaces. Only charge and use the certified pack designed for your specific scooter, and inspect it for damage before every charge.
What should I do if my battery is swelling or smoking?
Stop using it immediately, unplug it if you can do so safely, move away from the device, get everyone out of the area, and call emergency services. Do not try to charge it, cover it, or fight a well-developed lithium-ion fire yourself, since these fires burn extremely hot and can reignite.