Call2Recycle, Inc., the country’s first consumer battery collection and recycling program, in collaboration with PeopleForBikes, a national bicycling advocacy organization and the bicycle industry’s trade association, announced the publication of two e-bike battery safety guides. According to the market research firm, NPD Group, e-bike sales grew 145 percent from 2019 to 2020, more than double the rate of classic bikes. In response to such rising demand, Call2Recycle developed guides to promote retailer and rider e-bike battery safety for June’s National Safety Month, which is endorsed by PeopleForBikes. Both guides offer specific safety considerations, including charging, storing, and handling e-bike batteries. These considerations are meant to serve as educational resources to help riders and retailers better understand the safety and regulatory intricacies associated with properly handling their e-bike batteries.
“Safety is at the heart of Call2Recycle’s work, and National Safety Month is an ideal opportunity to raise awareness,” said Leo Raudys, CEO of Call2Recycle. “E-bikes are increasing in popularity, but with that popularity comes the amplified need for battery safety. Our goal with this guidance is to apply our decades of experience in safe battery management coupled with PeopleForBikes’ extensive industry knowledge to ensure everyone – from riders to retailers – can safely enjoy all that e-bikes have to offer.”
The rider guide outlines best practices for charging, storing and handling their e-bike batteries, and the importance of properly managing a damaged or recalled battery. In addition to charging and storage information, the retailer version also references the specific codes, permits, and shipping requirements retail locations must comply with when transporting e-bike batteries for recycling.
The release of the new safety guidelines builds off the e-bike industry’s previous efforts to advance safety. In November 2021, Call2Recycle teamed up with PeopleForBikes and more than 40 bike industry leaders to kickstart the industry’s new e-bike battery collection and recycling program. To date, over 1,500 retail locations are enrolled in the program, with nearly 1,200 locations having already completed the required safety training to officially serve as a collection site.
“Bicycle industry leaders deeply understand the importance of responsible battery charging and storage,” said Dr. Ash Lovell, PeopleForBikes’ Electric Bicycle Policy & Campaign Director. “PeopleforBikes is proud to endorse the work that Call2Recycle is leading to help riders and retailers practice safe battery handling. We look forward to rolling out the electric bicycle battery recycling program to all Americans later this year.”
For more information, visit www.call2recycle.org/ebikes.