SF Supervisor Proposes Ban on Uncertified E-Bike Batteries

Legislation aims to curb fire risks from faulty lithium-ion batteries in dense urban areas.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:03pm by Ben Kaplan

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A highly detailed 3D macro illustration of a glowing, illuminated lithium-ion battery cell in neon cyan and magenta hues, conceptually representing the technological infrastructure and potential fire risks of uncertified e-bike power sources.Glowing lithium-ion battery cells highlight the growing fire risks of uncertified e-bike power sources in dense urban areas.San Francisco Today

San Francisco Supervisor Bilal Mahmood has introduced legislation to prohibit the sale of uncertified lithium-ion batteries, which have been blamed for causing numerous fires in the city in recent years. The measure is intended to prevent dangerous and fast-moving fires, particularly in dense residential buildings where a single battery failure can threaten dozens of residents.

Why it matters

E-bikes have grown increasingly popular in San Francisco, but their lithium-ion batteries have also been linked to a rise in fires, some of which have caused significant property damage and endangered lives. This proposed ban seeks to address fire safety concerns by ensuring only certified, high-quality batteries are available for purchase.

The details

The legislation introduced by Supervisor Mahmood would prohibit the sale of lithium-ion batteries that are not certified to meet safety standards. This comes after a spate of e-bike battery-related fires in the city, some of which have occurred in multi-unit residential buildings, raising concerns about the potential for rapid fire spread and catastrophic damage.

  • Supervisor Mahmood introduced the legislation on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Bilal Mahmood

A San Francisco Supervisor who introduced the legislation to ban the sale of uncertified lithium-ion batteries.

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What they’re saying

“This measure is intended to prevent dangerous and fast-moving fires before they start, particularly in dense residential buildings where a single battery failure can threaten dozens of residents.”

— Bilal Mahmood, San Francisco Supervisor

What’s next

The proposed legislation will now go through the San Francisco Board of Supervisors review process, where it will be debated and potentially amended before a final vote.

The takeaway

This proposed ban on uncertified e-bike batteries highlights the growing concerns around fire safety in dense urban areas as new technologies become more widespread. If enacted, it could serve as a model for other cities grappling with similar issues.