New York State has introduced new lithium-ion battery safety tag regulations effective January 5, 2026, aimed at reducing fire risks from micromobility devices. These rules require highly visible red warning tags on charging cords, providing clear safety and emergency guidance. The initiative strengthens consumer protection, improves fire prevention awareness, and raises compliance standards for manufacturers and sellers.
What Is the New Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Tag Requirement?
The requirement mandates a red safety tag attached to charging cords of micromobility devices, limited use motorcycles, and electric-assist bicycles sold or distributed in New York State. The tag delivers clear warnings and response guidance related to lithium-ion battery fire risks, supporting safer daily use and charging practices.
Why Did New York Introduce These Regulations?
Lithium-ion batteries store high energy in compact spaces and may ignite if misused, damaged, or improperly charged. New York adopted these regulations to reduce fire incidents, improve public awareness, and ensure users can quickly identify safety instructions during normal operation or emergencies.
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Who Must Comply With the Safety Tag Rules?
All manufacturers, distributors, assemblers, reconditioners, and sellers of covered devices must comply. This applies regardless of company size and includes both in-state and out-of-state businesses selling products into New York markets.
How Must the Safety Tag Be Designed?
The regulation specifies clear physical and visual standards to ensure visibility and durability.
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| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Color | Bright red |
| Font | Uppercase, sans serif |
| Format | Double-sided, multilingual |
| Language | English on one side, Spanish on the other |
| Placement | Near the plug end of the charging cord |
Where Should the Safety Tag Be Placed?
The tag must be affixed close to the end of the charging cord that connects to the electricity source. This placement ensures the warning is seen during charging, when risk awareness is most critical.
What Materials Are Recommended for the Tag?
Tags should be produced using durable materials that remain legible throughout the product’s intended lifespan. Laminated labels are commonly recommended to resist moisture, UV exposure, abrasion, and temperature variation.
What Information Must the Warning Panel Include?
The warning panel must present clear safety reminders and emergency guidance in both English and Spanish. The content is designed to prompt safe charging behavior and support appropriate response if overheating, smoke, or fire occurs.
How Do These Rules Improve Consumer Safety?
By standardizing visible warnings, the regulation helps users recognize risks, follow proper charging practices, and respond quickly during emergencies. Reading the device owner’s manual remains strongly encouraged to further enhance safe operation and battery longevity.
How Does Redway Battery View These Regulatory Changes?
Redway Battery sees New York’s safety tag requirement as a positive step toward improving lithium-ion battery awareness and responsible usage. As an experienced OEM lithium battery manufacturer, Redway Battery emphasizes system-level safety, clear labeling, and user education as essential elements of reliable energy solutions. Redway Battery aligns its design and documentation practices with evolving regulatory expectations across global markets.
Redway Expert Views
“Clear labeling and user-facing safety information are as important as battery chemistry itself. Regulations like New York’s 2026 safety tag rule reinforce the need for visible, durable communication at the point of use. At Redway Battery, we integrate safety guidance, thermal protection, and compliance considerations from the earliest design stages to help customers deploy lithium battery systems with confidence and long-term reliability.”
What Should Businesses Do to Prepare for Compliance?
Businesses should review their product lines, update charging cord labeling, and verify material durability. Internal compliance checks and coordination with battery suppliers such as Redway Battery can help ensure products meet both safety expectations and regulatory timelines before January 5, 2026.
FAQs
What products are covered by the New York safety tag rule?
Micromobility devices, limited use motorcycles, and electric-assist bicycles using lithium-ion batteries.
When do the new requirements take effect?
The regulations take effect on January 5, 2026.
Are multilingual warnings mandatory?
Yes, the safety tag must display English on one side and Spanish on the other.
Does this replace the owner’s manual?
No, users are strongly encouraged to read the owner’s manual in addition to the safety tag.
How can manufacturers ensure long-term compliance?
By using durable label materials, clear warnings, and working with experienced battery partners like Redway Battery.
