02 | Which dangerous goods regulations apply to lithium batteries?

Lithium batteries and cells are not only found in e-bikes and pedelecs, but also in smartphones, cameras, and laptops in our everyday life. However, with the growing market for e-bikes and pedelecs, more and more bicycle dealers find themselves obliged to attend a training in accordance with international transport regulations.

Batteries containing lithium are considered dangerous goods due to their properties. For the transport of lithium batteries and cells, whether national or international, certain regulations are relevant.

Important international regulations for the transport of dangerous goods:

• ADR – Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road;
• the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air cargo;
• IMDG Code – the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code for maritime shipping;
• RID – Regulations concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by rail.

Depending on the mode of transport of the lithium batteries, the corresponding regulation must be observed. Lithium batteries and cells are assigned to dangerous goods of class 9 (miscellaneous hazardous material). They are classified to the following UN numbers:

• UN 3090: Lithium metal batteries
• UN 3091: Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment or
• UN 3091: Lithium metal batteries packed with equipment
• UN 3480: Lithium ion batteries (including lithium ion polymer batteries)
• UN 3481: Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment (including lithium ion polymer batteries) or
• UN 3481: Lithium ion batteries packed with equipment (including lithium ion polymer batteries)
• UN 3171: Battery-powered vehicle or Battery-powered equipment

“Vehicles” concerning UN 3171 are defined as self-propelled apparatus designed to carry one or more persons or goods. Examples of such vehicles are cars, motorcycles, scooters, three- and four-wheeled vehicles or motorcycles, trucks, bicycles, wheelchairs, lawn tractors, boats, etc.

Are e-bikes dangerous goods when shipped?

E-bikes, respectively the lithium-ion battery of e-bikes and pedelecs, is always considered as dangerous good. If the lithium battery is in the e-bike, some exemptions can be claimed. However, if the battery is shipped individually, for example as a spare part or replacement product, it is subject to dangerous goods regulations without restriction.

The SAFETY Online Trainings will provide you all relevant information like this in interactive learning courses. Did you know that lithium batteries must pass the “38.3 test” in order to be allowed to be shipped in Germany?

With the online training “E-bikes / lithium-ion battery / class 9” we offer a training that was developed and built specifically for bicycle stores. Next to the legal content, the courses meet also the highest didactical and technical requirements.  

Here is an overview of the content for the online training: “E-bikes (lithium-ion batteries)”. The instruction takes place in accordance with 1.3 ADR and is aimed at e-bike dealers.

1. Dangerous goods “Lithium battery”
2. UN tests for batteries
3. Interactive safety data sheet lithium-ion battery
4. Delivery – Storage – Collection
5. Hazard classes at a glance
6. Hazard label no. 9 and 9a
7. UN numbers
8. Pack, mark and label the battery in accordance with the regulations.
9. Components of the transport document
10. Transport checklist
11. “Duties” checklist
12. Defective / damaged batteries
13. Disposal / Recycling
14. General safety instructions
15. Final test with certificate according to 1.3 ADR

To summarize, all employees who deal with dangerous goods must be adequately trained. We concentrated on the specific example of e-bike dealers.