How to Buy a Safe E-Bike

A good e-bike should last for years and be safe to charge at home. This guide covers what safety certifications mean, red flags to watch for and questions to ask any seller, using information from fire-safety agencies, UL Solutions and Colorado law.

What to look for Book a free test ride Call or text Erie 720-235-8660

UL 2849

UL's Standard for Electrical Systems for eBikes. It covers the drive train, battery and charger systems together. (UL Solutions)

UL 2271

UL's Standard for Batteries for Use in Light Electric Vehicle Applications. (UL Solutions)

$225

off a qualifying new e-bike with Colorado's e-bike tax credit, once per calendar year at participating shops. (CO Energy Office)

What the safety certifications mean

Battery fires are the reason these standards exist, so this is the first thing to check.

WHOLE BIKE

UL 2849

UL Solutions calls it the Standard for Electrical Systems for eBikes. It looks at the e-bike's electrical drive train, battery and charger systems together for electrical and fire safety. (UL Solutions)

BATTERY

UL 2271

The Standard for Batteries for Use in Light Electric Vehicle Applications. It covers the battery pack on its own, not the whole bike. (UL Solutions)

A certified battery, motor or charger is not the same as a certified e-bike. Look for certification of the whole bike. (UL Solutions buyer guide)
"Tested to UL standards" does not mean certified. UL says certification includes regular factory checks. (UL Solutions buyer guide)
Look for the certification mark on the bike or battery. You can look up a UL certification in UL's free Product iQ database. (UL Solutions buyer guide)
CPSC says to use devices and batteries certified to the applicable safety standards. NFPA says to buy e-bikes listed by a nationally recognized testing lab. (CPSC, NFPA)

What Colorado law requires

From HB25-1197, which took effect in August 2025. (HB25-1197, CO Attorney General)

Certified batteries

E-bike batteries sold in Colorado must be certified by an accredited lab to a battery standard referenced in UL 2849 or EN 15194, or another standard the state fire division approves. The lab's mark must be shown on the packaging, documentation, bike or battery. (HB25-1197)

Honest labels

Sellers must tell you the motor wattage, top speed and class. A vehicle that is not a legal e-bike cannot be sold as one without a written warning that it is a motor vehicle. (HB25-1197)

Within the limits

750 watts or less, fully operable pedals, and assistance that stops at 20 mph (Class 1 and 2) or 28 mph (Class 3). See our Colorado classes guide. (HB25-1197, CO Attorney General)

Context: New York City's certification law

Colorado isn't the only place with rules like these.

New York City's Local Law 39 of 2023 requires e-bikes sold, leased or rented there to be certified to UL 2849, and their storage batteries to UL 2271, by an accredited lab. Sellers must show the lab's mark, including on online listings. (NYC DCWP rule notice, NYC DCWP) It does not apply in Colorado, but it is a useful benchmark.

Red flags when shopping online

Each of these comes from a safety agency, UL or Colorado's Attorney General.

The bike itself

A motor over 750 watts, or top speeds over 28 mph. That is not an e-bike in Colorado. (CO Attorney General)
An "off-road" or unlimited mode, or a switch or app that unlocks more speed. (HB25-1197, CO Energy Office)
No pedals, or pedals that are just for show. (CO Attorney General, Erie other vehicles)
No class label and no wattage or speed listed. (CRS 42-4-221, HB25-1197)

The battery and charger

No certification mark from a testing lab, or only "tested to" claims. (UL Solutions buyer guide, HB25-1197)
Replacement packs that are rebuilt, modified or made with used cells. (CPSC)
"Universal" chargers instead of the charger made for the bike. (CPSC chargers)
A very low price. Colorado's Energy Office warns that low-cost bikes may not meet safety standards. (CO Energy Office)

Check recalls and warnings first

CPSC posts recalls and safety warnings for e-bikes and batteries. (CPSC)

Before you buy, new or used, search the brand and model on CPSC's site and check our e-bike safety notices page. If you have a problem with an e-bike battery, CPSC asks you to report it on SaferProducts.gov. (CPSC)

Questions to ask any seller

Is the whole bike certified to UL 2849? Where is the mark?
Which class is it, and what are the motor wattage and top assisted speed?
Does it come with the manufacturer's charger? Can I buy replacement batteries and chargers from the maker?
Who handles warranty claims, and who can service the motor and battery locally?
Can I test ride it, and does it fit me?

Why buying locally can help

Wherever you buy, these are worth having.

Test rides and fit

Riding a few bikes is the best way to find the right size, class and motor. Our Erie shop is about 100 yards from the Coal Creek Trail, and test rides are free.

Service close to home

E-bikes need brake, tire and drive train care like any bike, plus someone who knows the motor and battery system.

Warranty help

A shop that carries your brand can talk to the maker for you and get genuine replacement batteries and chargers.

Book a free test ride in Erie Fill out the ride waiver

Colorado e-bike tax credit

$225 off a qualifying new e-bike, once per calendar year, for Colorado residents at participating retailers. (CO Energy Office)

To qualify, the e-bike must be new, certified to UL 2849 or EN 15194, 750 watts or less, with two or three wheels and working pedals. Any of the three classes qualifies. (CO Energy Office)
Bikes with modes that go past the three classes, or that go faster than 20 mph on the throttle alone, don't qualify. (CO Energy Office)
It can be combined with Colorado's income-qualified e-bike rebate at shops that take part in both. (CO Energy Office)

CyclErie takes $225 off. To save time, fill out the $225 Colorado tax credit form before you come in.