Michigan Bill Would Require UL-Certified E-Bike Batteries and Systems From 2027

Michigan could become the latest state to put battery-safety standards into law for e-bikes. House Bill 6339, the proposed “Electric Bicycle Safety Act,” would require e-bike batteries sold in the state to be certified to UL 2271 and complete e-bike electrical systems to be certified to UL 2849, starting January 1, 2027.

The bill was introduced on September 23, 2026 by Rep. Veronica Paiz, with six co-sponsors listed on the Michigan Legislature’s bill page, and was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. As of October 7, the bill’s history shows no action beyond that committee referral, and it is not law.

This post summarises the bill as introduced. It is not legal advice.

Start with what HB 6339 would require. Beginning January 1, 2027, the bill as introduced would ban sales of uncertified batteries: a person could not sell, offer to sell or otherwise distribute an e-bike battery unless it has been certified to UL 2271 safety standards. It would require certified bikes: any e-bike manufactured, sold, offered for sale or distributed would need both a UL 2271-certified battery and a UL 2849-certified electrical system. And it would cover riders, too: an individual could not operate an e-bike unless it has both a UL 2271-certified battery and a UL 2849-certified electrical system.

The bill defines the “electrical system” as the entire electrical system of the e-bike, including the battery, motor and charger. “Electric bicycle” keeps its existing meaning under the Michigan Vehicle Code.

Then the penalties. For sellers and distributors, the bill as introduced sets escalating penalties. A first violation is a state civil infraction, with a civil fine of up to $1,000. A second violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. A third or later violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail, a fine of up to $20,000, or both.

For riders operating a non-compliant e-bike, the penalty is a state civil infraction with a civil fine of up to $500.

Where this fits: HB 6339 lands as federal regulators work on their own e-bike battery rule. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has proposed a mandatory safety standard for lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and other micromobility products, built on UL 2849, UL 2271 and UL 2272, and will hold a virtual public hearing on October 21, 2026. Michigan’s bill would go further in one respect: as written, it applies to riders as well as sellers.

The e-bike pros’ take: whatever happens in Lansing, certification is worth checking on any e-bike or replacement battery you buy.

Look for the certification, not just a sticker. Ask which standard the bike or battery is certified to — UL 2849 for complete e-bike electrical systems, UL 2271 for battery packs — and which lab certified it.

Replacement packs matter. If you replace a battery, choose one certified for your bike rather than an uncertified “compatible” pack. Use the charger made for your battery, too: mixing chargers and batteries is one of the things the CPSC proposal targets.

Riders, watch this bill. As introduced, it would apply to bikes you already own, not just new sales. Bills often change in committee, so check the final text if it moves.

Our cargo category page, our story on the CPSC battery-rule hearing, and our plain-English guide to the safety labels are linked below, alongside the Michigan Legislature’s bill page and the bill text itself.

Photo: e-bike lithium-ion battery pack, Stefan Bellini via Wikimedia Commons (CC0).