Customs and Border Protection officers seized a shipment of 35 electric bikes in Hampton Roads, Virginia, after determining the bikes did not meet federal motor vehicle safety standards, according to a March 17 announcement.
The seizure comes as electric bikes become more popular across the United States, particularly in urban and tourist areas. The increase in e-bike use has also led to a rise in injuries among riders, making compliance with safety regulations an important concern for authorities.
CBP officers inspected the container of e-bikes on January 7 after their arrival from China. The officers found that the bikes were only partially assembled and lacked required certification labels and safety markings. After consulting with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it was determined on January 20 that the e-bikes failed to comply with federal standards. NHTSA recommended that CBP refuse entry to the shipment.
The importer, an e-bike shop located in Hampton Roads, declined to export the non-compliant bikes elsewhere. As a result, CBP officers seized the shipment on February 27. "We know that injuries to electric bike riders continue to rise. Customs and Border Protection officers will continue to partner with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to protect e-bike riders and others on the road by denying the importation of noncompliant and potentially unsafe e-bikes," said Keri Brady, CBP’s area port director for Norfolk-Newport News.
Federal law prohibits importing vehicles that do not conform to U.S. safety standards under Title 49 of the United States Code section 30112. Vehicles must be manufactured according to these standards and display a permanent label certifying compliance affixed by the original manufacturer.
CBP encourages consumers purchasing products from foreign markets through online platforms or global supply chains to ensure those products meet all U.S. safety and import laws before buying them.
