The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.New Jersey bill bans used-cell lithium batteries in e-bikes and mandates UL safety certifications for rentals and sales
Last action · January 13, 2026: Introduced, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs CommitteeSponsors: Gabriel Rodriguez and 1 other
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What This Bill Would Do
Assembly Bill 495 prohibits assembling or selling lithium-ion batteries built from used cells for e-bikes and scooters, and requires electrical systems and storage batteries to meet specific UL safety standards before distribution, lease, or sale. The measure also mandates commercial delivery and courier businesses to provide fire safety materials to employees operating e-bikes, and directs state agencies to launch public awareness campaigns and annual safety reports.
Sellers and rental businesses face civil penalties up to $1,000 for repeat violations within two years, while courier and delivery operations must distribute mandatory fire safety training documents to workers within 60 days of the law taking effect.
- The New Jersey General Assembly is the lower house of the New Jersey Legislature. context
- Lithium-ion battery fires associated with e-bikes and scooters have led to growing legislative scrutiny and safety regulations across multiple jurisdictions. context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Retailers and rental businesses
Sellers and rental operators of e-bikes, scooters, and storage batteries must verify UL standard certifications and face civil penalties up to $1,000 for repeat violations.
Commercial delivery employees
Workers who operate e-bikes for professional duties must receive mandatory fire safety instructional materials in English and other appropriate languages.
New Jersey Fire Safety Commission
The commission must consult with the Division of Highway Traffic Safety on identifying fire safety materials and informational campaigns.
Division of Highway Traffic Safety
The division must establish alternative safety standards, publish web resources, conduct public and business outreach campaigns, and submit annual legislative reports.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of batteries are banned under this bill?
What are the penalties for selling uncertified e-bikes or banned batteries?
Are second-hand e-bikes subject to the physical certification display requirement?
What are commercial businesses required to do for employees who operate e-bikes?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Jan 13, 2026HouseIntroducedIntroduced, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Introduction of Mandated UL Standards for Light Electric Vehicles
The legislation creates statutory requirements tying the legal sale and rental of e-bikes, scooters, and storage batteries directly to accredited laboratory safety certifications.
Connected Entities
Sources
njleg.state.nj.us
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy30Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz45Current news / social attention level
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